Nationals recall Michael A. Taylor, option Lucas Giolito to Triple-A

When the Washington Nationals called outfielder Brian Goodwin up from Triple-A Syracuse earlier this month to make his MLB debut, Nationals’ skipper Dusty Baker talked to reporters about why Goodwin was getting the call instead of Michael A. Taylor.

Goodwin earned the promotion, Baker explained, but more importantly, the Nats wanted Taylor getting regular at bats in the minors that weren’t available in the majors.

“We sent Michael [A. Taylor] down to play,” Baker said. “So to call him back now, he would be in the same position, by not playing, or spot-playing.”

In 66 games for the Nats this season, the 25-year-old outfielder put up a .222/.274/.372 line with 10 doubles, seven home runs, 14 walks and 70 Ks in 223 plate appearances.

In 31 games with the top minor league affiliate, Taylor posted a .205/.285/.291 line with five doubles, a triple, a home run, 12 walks and 33 Ks in 130 PAs.

This afternoon, the Nationals decided to bring Taylor back up to the majors, with Lucas Giolito returning to Syracuse to make room on the roster:

Taylor has hit safely in 22 of 25 starts in the majors this season, with a .275 AVG, eight doubles, four homers, seven walks, eight steals and 17 runs scored when he starts, but though those opportunities have been limited.

The Nationals’ bench was short after they optioned Wilmer Difo to Double-A Harrisburg so Giolito could start in Sunday’s series finale with the Colorado Rockies.

In 138 games and 511 PAs with the Nationals in 2015, in his first full seasons in the big leagues, Taylor posted a .229/.282/.358 line with 15 doubles, 14 home runs, 16 steals, 35 walks and 158 Ks.