Michael A. Taylor
OF CWS
Wed 3/1/17 10:22 AM

Taylor replaced Bryce Harper in right field during Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against the Astros and went 1-for-2 with a walkoff solo home run.
EDGE Analysis
He's off to a good start at the plate in camp, and hitting a walkoff in the Nats' first game at their new spring training complex in Palm Beach certainly can't hurt Taylor's chances of beating out Brian Goodwin for the fourth outfielder role. Despite his ability to supply both power and speed, though, his initial fantasy value would be restricted to deep NL-only leagues even if he does win the job.

Michael A. Taylor
OF CWS
Mon 2/27/17 11:16 AM

Taylor got the start in center field and hit leadoff in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Twins, going 1-for-2 with a run scored and a stolen base.
EDGE Analysis
He's competing with Brian Goodwin for the Nats' fourth outfielder job, and it looks like Taylor has gotten out to a quick start in that battle. Both players have similar power/speed profiles at the plate and defensive chops, but while Taylor has more experience, he'll also need to show he can improve on his career .228/.281/.363 major league slash line to fend off Goodwin.

Michael A. Taylor
OF CWS
Sat 10/8/16 11:50 AM

Taylor (thumb) made the Nationals' NLDS roster, the Washington Post reports.
EDGE Analysis
The thumb was a concern at the tail end of the regular season -- the Nats even ordered an MRI -- but Taylor was able to convince the team of his health with a successful round of batting practice Wednesday. Taylor made the team over Ben Revere, with GM Mike Rizzo saying, "[Taylor's] our best defensive outfielder" while also pointing out that the 25-year-old bats right-handed.

Michael A. Taylor
OF CWS
Wed 10/5/16 1:46 PM

Taylor (thumb) took batting practice Wednesday, MLB.com's William Ladson reports.
EDGE Analysis
He suffered a thumb injury in the final weekend of the regular season, and while it is encouraging that he took batting practice Wednesday, it is unclear if or when he will be available during the ALDS against the Dodgers.

Michael A. Taylor
OF CWS
Sun 10/2/16 3:36 PM

Taylor required an MRI on his thumb Sunday morning, but the results of the tests aren't yet available, MLB.com's William Ladson reports.
EDGE Analysis
The Nationals were apparently concerned that Taylor sustained some ligament damage during his 2-for-3 performance Saturday against the Marlins, so he was held out of Sunday's regular season finale while the team investigated the issue. If Taylor's injury is deemed even mildly serious, that might be enough to prevent him from cracking the Nats' NLDS roster.

Michael A. Taylor
OF CWS
Mon 8/29/16 2:37 PM

Taylor was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse on Monday.
EDGE Analysis
Taylor hasn't done much at the major league level this season, and has actually struggled even more in the minors with a .205/.285/.291 slash line in Triple-A, but he'll get another chance over the final month of the season. He doesn't figure to start much though, with Trea Turner establishing himself as the everyday center fielder. Lucas Giolito will head back to the minors to clear up space on the major league roster.

Michael A. Taylor
OF CWS
Sun 7/24/16 6:51 PM

Taylor was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse following Sunday's game against the Padres, Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports reports.
EDGE Analysis
The move was made reportedly to make space on the 25-man roster for the return of Ryan Zimmermann, leaving Ben Revere and Chris Heisey as the top center field options for the Nationals, with Trea Turner also serving as another alternative.

Michael A. Taylor
OF CWS
Sun 7/17/16 10:47 AM

Taylor is out of the lineup for the second straight game Sunday against the Pirates, Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports reports.
EDGE Analysis
Nothing out of the ordinary here, as Taylor continues to split time in center field with Ben Revere. Look for the young, speedy outfielder to continue to see sporadic starts as long as the team's outfield is fully healthy.

Michael A. Taylor
OF CWS
Sat 7/16/16 4:09 AM

Taylor went 1-for-3 with a two-run homer and a walk in Friday's 5-1 victory over the Pirates.
EDGE Analysis
He went deep in the seventh against reliever Neftali Feliz with a 379-foot two-run shot that plated Stephen Strasburg, his first homer since June 19 versus the Padres. Taylor enjoyed a stellar June where he slashed .310/.355/.500, but has only two hits over his first 10 at-bats in July as he continues sharing time with Ben Revere.

Michael A. Taylor
OF CWS
Fri 7/8/16 2:07 PM

Taylor was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse on Friday.
EDGE Analysis
As expected, Taylor's stay at Triple-A Syracuse was very brief. He only played in one game, during which he went 1-for-4 with a double and a walk. Taylor's performance at the plate has been rather subpar, as he's hitting just .225/.266/.372, so he'll likely continue sharing time with Ben Revere in the outfield. However it's worth noting that while Revere's batting average is just .230 for the season, he's shown improvement as of late and could get the nod to start over Taylor as the season goes on.