Reggie

Taylor

Boone says the rotation won’t be a strict platoon. Taylor, a lefty, will get most of the at-bats, but Mateo will face right-handers, too. As long as one of the two can produce, the ideas to play Barry Larkin or Austin Kearns in center won’t happen.

Taylor’s ill-timed slump is a reason why Ruben Mateo made his first start against a right-hander yesterday. Mateo is 3-for-8 with a walk the last two days, and could begin to see more time than Taylor.

Taylor, who turns 28 next month, hit .274/.333/.486 with 21 steals for two Triple-A clubs last season. His defense in center makes him an adequate option as a fifth outfielder, and Coors Field turns him into something of a sleeper in fantasy leagues.

The shoulder did pop back in on its own, but Taylor will undergo an MRI today and surgery is a possibility. Taylor, who had surgery on the same shoulder two years ago, is probably headed for the DL. The Reds finished yesterday’s game with an outfield of Ryan Freel, Jason LaRue, and Ruben Mateo. Taylor’s injury could assure a callup for Stephen Smitherman, who could join Mateo and Wily Mo Pena as the starting outfield until Adam Dunn returns.

Ruben Mateo also homered as a pinch-hitter. The two are expected to share time in center field while Austin Kearns is out.

Taylor should have some fantasy value while Griffey was out, but if he continues to struggle, he could lose playing time to Ruben Mateo. Mateo may no longer be a center fielder, but he has more offensive upside than Taylor and Austin Kearns is capable of making the switch from right to center.

Ruben Mateo will get a chance to compete for playing time, and Wily Mo Pena also figures to see some extra at-bats. If the Reds want to stick with six outfielders, they’ll probably call up Jose Guillen from Triple-A Louisville. However, it’s also possible they’ll activate Juan Castro from the disabled list. If either Taylor or Mateo is unowned in your NL-only league, pick him up.

It seems that either Damon Hollins and Alex Sanchez will be at DH most days, so the Rays needed another outfielder. Taylor was hitting .284/.360/.448 in 52 games for Durham. He doesn’t figure to play much. Hopefully, the Rays would have recalled Jonny Gomes or Joey Gathright it they wanted someone they’d use frequently.

Manager Lou Piniella said he wanted Taylor for versatility. Then he went and started him. You never know with the Rays, but since Alex Sanchez and Damon Hollins have been the team’s best hitters, Taylor doesn’t figure to get much playing time. But it all depends on Piniella’s whims.

Cory Sullivan apparently has won a job as Colorado’s fifth outfielder. Taylor was 9-for-34 with three stolen bases.