After spending nearly a decade in Dodgerland, a super utility player was released by the Los Angeles Dodgers on May 18th. He had been the longest-tenured position player. On the brighter side, he didn’t have to trade familiar streets for unfamiliar skies. He’s staying put—right in Los Angeles, just across the town. It wasn’t a fallout; rather, it was an opportunity for him that he didn’t miss.

If you’ve guessed by now, yes, it’s Chris Taylor. He signed with the Los Angeles Angels for one year, $760,000, on Sunday. With the Dodgers, the 34-year-old had only appeared in 28 out of 46 games this season. That too, mostly as a defensive replacement. Across 28 appearances, Taylor hit .200 (7 for 35) before he was released. It ends his nine-year-long tenure in Chavez Ravine.

Apparently, the Dodgers wanted to clear the roster spot for utility man Tommy Edman, who was recently activated off the injured list. Opening up about the Taylor situation, Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts explained, “Taylor wanted an opportunity to play more.” Certainly. Taylor is entering his late thirties, and the veteran player would naturally like to make more appearances on the field.

On the other hand, the Angels are desperate to bring in stability in center field. Taylor seemed a perfect fit to fill in. In fact, for Monday’s Angels-Yankees matchup, he took over center field and batted eighth.

Except for catcher and first base, Taylor has played every defensive position. So, the Angels can make the most of the veteran’s help at this stretch of the season. Taylor is taking over the roster spot of Kyren Paris.

The 23-year-old had an impressive start this season. Across his first 10 games, he hit 5 home runs and 8 RBIs. He was optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake after the Angels were handed a brutal 3-0 defeat by the Miami Marlins.

For now, let’s see how Taylor adjusts with the Dodgers’ crosstown rivals. And his first start as an Angel against the Yankees? Let’s just say it’s just the beginning for him.

Former Dodgers’ utility player’s first start with the Angels

With the Los Angeles Dodgers, Taylor struggled all along to secure a permanent spot for himself. Just hours after signing with the Los Angeles Angels, he wasted no time chipping in with his new team.

He took over center field for the Angels against the Yankees. He got off to a bit of a rough start at the plate as he struck out to end the second inning. During the fifth, Taylor flied out to center with one out and one on. Meanwhile, the Yankees had a 4-1 lead after Anthony Volpe’s big hit.

In the top of the third inning, Jorbit Vivas hit a fly ball towards Taylor, and in the fourth inning, Trent Grisham sent a grounder. Taylor did his job in both innings just the way he did hundreds of other times for the Dodgers. However, he couldn’t prevent any runs when Volpe sent a line drive out of his reach.

Before he checked out with the Dodgers, his batting average was .200 with a .457 OPS and -0.5 WAR. And then, entering Monday with a .250 batting average with .749 OPS and 16.4 WAR. And the Angels are desperate for a wild card spot in 2025. If they utilize Taylor well for outfield spots, third base, and shortstop, they can do well for the remainder of the season.