WASHINGTON -- After Sunday's 10-6 loss to the Padres, the Nationals optioned outfielder Michael Taylor to Triple-A Syracuse.
Taylor has had problems making contact this season. In 66 games, Taylor is hitting .222 with seven home runs, 14 RBIs and has struck out 70 times in 207 at-bats. Taylor has a weakness for going after breaking balls and high fastballs.
This is the second time Michael Taylor has been optioned to Syracuse this year. When he was optioned the first time on July 4, Taylor was back in the Major Leagues four days later after the Nationals placed Ryan Zimmerman on the 15-day disabled list because of a left rib cage strain.
With Taylor going to Syracuse, Zimmerman is expected to be activated from the DL and play for the Nationals against the Indians.