For most of Dave Roberts’ tenure as Los Angeles manager, Chris Taylor was one of his players. On Sunday, the released Taylor to create space for Tommy Edman to be on the roster when they returned from the injured list.
read more: release Chris Taylor in shocking moves
Roberts responded to surprise news, talking about both Taylor’s firing and the Austin Burns.
“Obviously, these two were very good and were very well received,” Roberts said. “Obviously we’re in tight races, and I think some of it is racing. Some of that is what you want to continue to develop young players and give them the opportunity at the veteran ball club.”
Taylor is a quarter of his 10th season with the , and although he was a two-time World Series champion and a former All-Star, his recent production was not the norm.
He received 35 plate appearances and made 35-7 appearances in 13 strikeouts this season. He appeared in 28 of the ‘ 46 games in 2025, cutting .200/.200/.257, reducing two runs and an OPS of .457.
The let go of two veterans in a week. Burns was designated as a task Wednesday in another surprising move by the team.
Baseball business president Andrew Friedman spoke last week about the tough decisions the had to make.
“This has been a very emotional week for all of us,” Friedman said (click here for the video). “Barnesy and CT were in the midst of a big moment for this organization. Both people have left an indelible mark in our culture and where we are at this point, so it was extremely difficult to decide.
“The conversation was tough, but where we were, the division race, the roster competition, everything. I felt this was the ‘ biggest concern.
There doesn’t seem to be any room for sentiment as the are chasing another World Series title this season. However, Roberts and Friedman’s initial remarks speak volumes about Taylor (and Burns’) impact on the team.
read more: The posted a tribute to Chris Taylor after releasing him
Photo credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA Today Sports
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