LOS ANGELES — Chris Taylor is an example of what Los Angeles does so well. For mega-rich franchises like the Dodgers, it’s easy to throw millions at a Mookie Betts or a Clayton Kershaw. But to outright pilfer a hidden gem like Chris Taylor?
Facing elimination in Game 5 of the National League Championship Series, it was Taylor whose mighty swings launched the Dodgers and this series back to Atlanta for the weekend. His three home runs and six R.B.I. highlighted an 11-2 mauling.
Taylor had been an extraneous utility infielder in Seattle whom the Dodgers acquired in a little-noticed trade in June 2016, sending Zach Lee, a pitching prospect, to the Mariners.