7 years agoLos Angeles Dodgers shortstop Chris Taylor will not hit from the leadoff spot for the first time all season on Friday versus new Reds starter Matt Harvey. Taylor will bat sixth instead and has never faced Harvey. The move represents the most severe shakeup to the lineup all year as the defending National League champions are off to a terrible 16-21 start. Taylor, who broke out last year, just hasn't been able to get anything going. He's slashing .229/.299/.408 and has 40 strikeouts in 147 AB. The move, if more than temporary, hurts Taylor's fantasy value significantly. Chase Utley is leading off instead but it's unlikely that becomes the norm. Alex Verdugo is more of a prototypical leadoff hitter, but he was sent back to the minors earlier this year. Joc Pederson has led off at times when Taylor was rested and is batting second on Friday. Look for Taylor to return to the top of the lineup once he gets something going. Or rather, if.--Mario Hernandez - RotoBaller
Source: Pedro Moura - The Athletic