The Dodgers on Thursday officially placed utilityman Chris Taylor on the IL with a strained groin. In a corresponding move they recalled outfielder James Outman from Triple-A Oklahoma City.
This marks Outman's third stint with the Dodgers this season. He started the year in the Majors, but was sent down in May after struggling to open the season. He returned in early July and went 3-for-5 before finishing his second stint 0-fo-10 with seven strikeouts.
Perhaps third time will be the charm for Outman, who's hitting .281 with a .930 OPS in 40 games in the hitter friendly Pacific Coast League. He joins a crowded outfield with Jason Heyward, Andy Pages, Teoscar Hernandez and Miguel Vargas. Kiké Hernandez has also spent time in the outfield this season, but he'll likely see more infield time now with Taylor out.
Taylor hurt his groin in the Dodgers' 8-3 loss to the Giants. His absence leaves the Dodgers without a ton of infield options, although the recent addition of Nick Ahmed should help alleviate Taylor's absence in that respect. Taylor played 192.0 innings on the infield at second base and third base this season.
