Dodgers’ Chris Taylor Wanted Opportunity Elsewhere, Dave Roberts Opens Up on Release

The Los Angeles Dodgers made a statement when they released center fielder Chris Taylor on Sunday, three days after designating catcher Austin Barnes for assignment.

The decisions showed that the Dodgers are willing to do whatever it takes to win back-to-back World Series titles, even at the cost of two long-time veterans.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts explained on Wednesday that Taylor wanted an opportunity to play more. A superstar-loaded Dodgers roster limited Taylor’s playing time in Los Angeles.

In order to play more, Taylor would have to depart from the Dodgers after 10 seasons.

“He wanted an opportunity if it was not going to be here to play more, to play somewhere else. So that’s kind of…