Michael A. Taylor's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Michael A. Taylor has been placed on outright waivers by the organization. This comes after Taylor went 1-for-3 during Sunday's win over the Cincinnati Reds. This news shouldn't shock anyone considering Taylor is hitting under .200 with four home runs and 20 RBI this season. He was signed to a one-year deal over the offseason. Now, Taylor gets a chance to join a contending team via waiver claim ahead of the postseason cut-off. It's uncertain who the Pirates will have take over the spot on the 26-man roster.

Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Michael Taylor will begin Friday's game at PNC Park against the division-rival Cincinnati Reds on the bench. Ji Hwan Bae will patrol center field for the Bucs and will hit ninth against Reds right-handed opener Buck Farmer. Taylor started in the outfield in seven of the team's last eight games but will take a seat on Friday in favor of Bae. The 33-year-old veteran is hitting under the Mendoza Line this year in 247 at-bats with only four homers, 20 RBI and 10 stolen bases in a part-time role in Pittsburgh. He could use a day off after going hitless with a walk and 11 strikeouts in his last 18 plate appearances over the last five games. Bae, who hits from the left side, will be a deep DFS sleeper to avoid out of the nine-hole. The 25-year-old South Korean is still searching for his first home run of the year and has four RBI and six steals in 65 at-bats.

Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Michael A. Taylor blasted a three-run game-winning home run in the top of the ninth inning Monday night in a 5-3 defeat of the Houston Astros. Taylor entered the game for Joshua Palacios (hamstring), who exited early after injuring himself running to first base and finished 2-for-3 on the night. The 33-year-old veteran probably hit the most significant home run of his career when he stepped up to the plate in the top of the ninth inning. With runners on second and third base with two outs, he smacked a 1-1 sinker from Josh Hader 421 feet to left center field. With a .209 batting average and three home runs on the season, there is not much to write home about overall for Taylor. However, the veteran has been solid in July, hitting .300 (9-for-30) with two home runs and three stolen bases over 16 games. Despite that, he should remain on the waiver wire. There are many other outfield options to choose from, with better numbers and more paths to playing time than Taylor does at this moment. Fantasy managers should keep an eye out, though. In deeper 14-plus team leagues, he could be a helpful asset down the stretch if he continues this hot streak he is riding.