Taylor's case for a spot on wild card roster

Michael A. Taylor has been mostly an afterthought this season, relegated to part-time duties early on, then the minor leagues for more than two months, then relegated to virtually no playing time with expanded September rosters.

And yet the 28-year-old outfielder might just have as strong a case as anyone to make the Nationals roster for Tuesday night's National League wild card game. And he might just prove to be quite valuable for a key moment in that game.

With a full pitching staff unnecessary for the singular, winner-take-all game, the Nationals can afford to keep more bench players than they'd normally keep on a 25-man roster. That bodes well for Taylor, whose ability to pinch-run and play strong defense makes him a logical candidate for Davey Martinez and company to consider.

Though Martinez isn't about to commit to any wild card roster decisions, the second-year manager did admit Taylor has a particular skill set that could be valuable next week.

"Most definitely," Martinez said. "We're going to look at everything this weekend and go over the roster. ... We have to look at who fits where and what fits with who, apparently against two teams now, the Cardinals and the Brewers."

Indeed, the identity of the Nationals' wild card opponent will play a role in some final roster decisions. But regardless of the matchup, Taylor presents an intriguing case.

The Nats don't pinch-run a lot, but if Kurt Suzuki or Yan Gomes or Howie Kendrick or Matt Adams were to reach base in a key spot late in a game, Taylor would be a logical choice to take over on the basepaths. Adam Eaton's improved play in right field might decrease the need for a defensive replacement, but Taylor would still be an upgrade if Martinez wants to make that move.

For his part, Taylor's trying not to think much about the possibilities while still acknowledging what a selection would mean to him.

"I definitely want to be there," he said. "It's not my decision, and it wasn't something that was in my mind, like: 'Oh, I'm going to go out there and prove.' Just play the game, and if they want me I'll be more than ready."

He certainly looked ready during Thursday's win over the Phillies. Given a chance to start for only the third time this month, Taylor went 3-for-4 with a single, double and homer.

That homer, a well-struck ball to right-center field, was Taylor's first in the big leagues since Aug. 9, 2018.

"It feels great," he said. "I was really excited just to get a chance to go out there and play the game of baseball. And having a day like that definitely makes it a little better."