taylor opened the 2015 season as the nationals' starting center fielder while denard span was on the disabled list. despite starting the season well by sporting a .279 batting average, he was optioned to the class-aaa syracuse chiefs on april 19 to make room on the active roster for span. he was recalled on april 29 when reed johnson was placed on the disabled list. during an away game against the arizona diamondbacks on may 13, taylor substituted for right fielder bryce harper after harper was ejected in the seventh inning. in his first at-bat in the ninth inning, he came up with the bases loaded for the first time in his career and hit a go-ahead grand slam, effectively clinching the game for the nationals.