Michael A.

Taylor

The Pirates probably should have done this a month ago, but we’re not sure what the point is of doing it now. Taylor hit just .193/.253/.290 in 300 plate appearances. Initially the Pirates’ primary center fielder, he had received just 16 plate appearances in his bit role this month. He’s still a strong defender, so he should land a bench job this winter.

No reason has been given, but it’s worth noting that McCutchen was just activated Friday from the injured list due to knee inflammation. Oneil Cruz is now the designated hitter, and Michael A. Taylor is now the starting center fielder.

Taylor is in the midst of a career-worst season, slashing .196/.257/.284 with four home runs and 20 RBI in 100 games. He’s still playing strong defense, but he’s not doing enough at the plate to justify the one-year, $4 million contract he signed this offseason. He is still owed approximately $790,000 for the remainder of the season, so the Pirates are hoping somebody will claim him off waivers and take on the remainder of the salary. If Taylor does go unclaimed, he can reject an outright assignment to the minor leagues without giving up any of his salary, which means the Pirates could decide to retain him on the active roster in the scenario as a fourth outfielder and defensive replacement.

The Pirates have now faced three left-handed starters in a row so Tellez, Ji Hwan Bae, and Billy McKinney continue to sit with Connor Joe at first base, Michael A Taylor in center field, and Bryan De La Cruz in right field. Tellez and Bae should get back into the lineup regularly when the Pirates face a righty but, unfortunately, they are lined up to face another lefty starter on Friday.

Taylor’s fourth homer of the season put the Pirates up 5-1 and wound up chasing starter Hunter Brown from the game. Taylor, who entered the game hitting .209, has now gone 3-for-7 in his last two games with two homers and five RBI in what looks like a mini-power surge for the veteran center fielder. Taylor doesn’t carry much, if any, fantasy upside at this time, but the Astros will be glad to see this series against him conclude on Wednesday.

With the score tied at 2-2, Taylor destroyed an offering from Josh Hader with two runners on to give Pittsburgh a 5-2 cushion and ultimately a needed win. It’s a rare big day at the plate for the 33-year-old, as he’s only homered three times, driven in 17 runs and slashed .209/.269/.299.

Palacios had recently taken over as a starter against righties. If he needs to go on the injured list, then Michael A. Taylor will likely resume playing regularly and Jack Suwinski could also be called up to play a significant role.

The Cardinals are starting right-hander Sonny Gray, so Suwinski’s commission is notable. The 25-year-old is getting a chance to regain a spot in the Pirates’ outfield with Ji Hwan Bae on the IL, but he’s just 3-for-21 since returning with a home run and two RBI. He’ll need to do better if he wants to avoid being sent back to the minors. Michael A Taylor will start in his place on Wednesday.

Taylor is back with the club after taking care of things more important than baseball for a few days. He’ll begin Friday night’s game against the Twins on the bench.

Taylor will be away for up to three days while taking care of things much more important baseball. Liover Peguero has been recalled to take Taylor’s place on the roster.