Brewers get a boost on the injury front as Tyrone Taylor returns from the injured list
DENVER – At long last, some positive injury news.
In a welcome twist for the Milwaukee Brewers after seemingly nothing but, outfielder Tyrone Taylor was activated from the 10-day injured list Tuesday afternoon prior to the team’s three-game series with the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field, with Blake Perkins optioned to Class AAA Nashville.
“We feel like we’re getting a player back that we counted on a lot last year and we’re planning on counting on a lot this year,” manager Craig Counsell said. “A very good defender with the ability to hit home runs, so it’s a good addition.”
Taylor had been shut down since the outset of spring training with an elbow sprain, an injury that bothered him going all the way back to last season. He was shut down from all baseball activities during the winter and a PRP injection in February was the last shot at managing the ailment before Tommy John surgery would be required.
“The hardest thing was having those days during rehab where, for me, I was like, ‘Damn, I’m going to need surgery,’” Taylor said. “Trying to stay positive through times like that because two days later, I ended up feeling great. Just being able to ride the wave and stay positive and embracing it, really.”
Considering Taylor didn’t have to take that alternate route of surgery, he was all smiles Tuesday in Denver.
“That’s what we've got to do in life. There’s going to be ups and downs in life and in baseball. Just got to find the positives in everything and keep it rolling,” Taylor said.
On the field, Taylor’s return is a big boost for the Brewers.
A career .241/.303/.453 hitter who provides strong defense at all three outfield positions, Taylor gives Milwaukee an ability to impact the game in multiple areas.
With outfield depth already thinned due to Garrett Mitchell’s likely season-ending shoulder surgery, the Brewers were quick to welcome Taylor back after his week-long rehab stint at Nashville and insert him into the lineup.
“That’s what we get paid to do, to be on the field,” Taylor said. “So to be able to get back out on the field was awesome.”
Taylor will be glad to not have to watch the club on TV anymore – even if he was enjoying what he was seeing.
“I was following,” Taylor said. “I was watching every game in the beginning. Then when I started playing, I was playing at the same time for a lot of games. But, shoot, exciting baseball. If the fans don’t like this, then I don’t know what they want.”
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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Brewers activate outfielder Tyrone Taylor from injured list
