Despite it being the unpopular move, the Dodgers will need to option someone down to keep their bullpen stocked with eight relievers and Taylor is the most logical choice. Although he is hitting .372/491/.496, Taylor doesn’t have a track record of being a good hitter and is due for a significant regression.
The main reason Taylor will get optioned down is the Dodgers’ overworked bullpen. The LA bullpen has already thrown over 100 innings and at the current pace would pitch over 600 innings this season. This would lead to a bullpen burnout.
Despite Clayton Kershaw and Brandon McCarthy, the Dodgers are still lacking pitchers who are capable of eating up six innings or more per start.