Former Dodgers utilityman Chris Taylor signed a one-year, major-league minimal contract with the Angels on Monday.

Taylor will begin in middle area in opposition to the New York Yankees on Monday and bat eighth.

Angels prospect Kyren Paris, who was struggling on the plate in current weeks — hitting simply .190 — was optioned to triple-A Salt Lake Metropolis to make room for Taylor on the roster.

“He’s been through the wars,” Angels supervisor Ron Washington mentioned of Taylor, including that the Angels plan to make use of him within the outfield and the infield. “He’s a good piece for those young guys to talk to about how to handle a grind. He’s been in a grind over there with L.A., every day, winning, and we want that.”

Launched by the Dodgers within the remaining yr of his four-year, $60-million contract final week, Taylor was hitting .200 with seven hits in 35 at-bats earlier than coming into free company.

A profession .250 hitter and a one-time All-Star, the 34-year-old Taylor has expertise taking part in within the infield and all three outfield positions, including versatility and depth to an Angels workforce ready for outfielder Mike Trout’s return from the injured record (knee). Angels nearer Kenley Jansen, who performed alongside Taylor on the Dodgers from 2016 to 2021, realized of Taylor’s signing whereas on his solution to Angel Stadium.

“It’s nice to have him back,” mentioned Jansen, who mentioned spoke to Angels normal supervisor Perry Minasian about Taylor on Sunday. “I think once he gets more playing time here, I think, you know, it’s going to be great for the organization and help us win ball games.”

When requested about Taylor’s launch Wednesday, Dodgers supervisor Dave Roberts mentioned his former longest-tenured place participant was searching for a possibility to play extra usually quite than accepting a demotion to triple A.

“He wanted an opportunity, if it wasn’t going to be here to play more, to play somewhere else,” Roberts mentioned. “So that’s kind of the thought behind how it played out, and I respect him for betting on himself and hopefully get an opportunity to place more somewhere else.”