Michael Taylor's speed has been a big addition to the Nationals team. (Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports)
ATLANTA — The Washington Nationals are in first place in the National League East, right where everyone expected.
They wouldn’t be there, though, without a bench that has had to carry much more or a load that was anticipated because of a rash of injuries.
The Nationals have scored 342 runs in 77 games, with 30 percent (102) driven in by players expected to be reserves.
Ryan Zimmerman, Jayson Werth and Anthony Rendon are all on the disabled list, making the bench especially important at the moment.
The Nationals have been able to take charge of the NL East race despite the absences, winning 12 of their past 16 games.
Washington has scored 114 runs in June. Players originally scheduled for bench duty have driven in 41 of them.
Speedy rookie outfielder Michael A. Taylor has been a big part of the Nationals’ success in June. So has first baseman Clint Robinson and second baseman Danny Espinosa.
Robinson hit a two-run homer during the first inning Tuesday in a 6-1 victory over Atlanta, while Espinosa went 3-for-5 with two doubles, two runs scored and an RBI.
Taylor, who drew two walks, has reached base safely in 22 of his 26 games this month.
“I’m feeling more part of the team,” he said. “I’m still a replacement, but maybe not feeling like that so much.”
