Michael A. Taylor put up a .211/.277/.276 line with five doubles, seven walks, and 32 Ks in 43 games (16 starts) and 85 plate appearances between April and June last season, before the 28-year-old outfielder was optioned to Triple-A Fresno. Taylor stayed with the Nationals’ top minor league affiliate until September, then returned to the majors, going 6 for 12 with two doubles in 10 games over the final month of the regular season.
Davey Martinez turned to Taylor in center field early during Washington’s run to the World Series championship in October, telling reporters he was comfortable that he didn’t lose much with Victor Robles injured during the NLDS matchup with the Los Angeles Dodgers.