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Jameson Taillon Experiences Setback, Could Start This Weekend For Cubs

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Ron Luce | Last updated 5/10/24

Earlier in the week, the expectation was for RHP Jameson Taillon to start for the Chicago Cubs in their series opener with the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday. Unfortunately, the probable starters changed with RHP Javier Assad taking the bump on Friday and LHP Justin Steele taking the bump on Saturday.

On Friday, Cubs manager Craig Counsell, and Taillon himself, provided an update on his health. Per Taillon, he felt back stiffness while throwing and playing catch on Tuesday. As a result, the concern changed the outlook of the rotation and pushed Taillon back further.

Depending on how Taillon feels on Saturday, he could start Sunday's matchup with the Pirates before the Cubs venture to Atlanta for three games with the Braves.

Jameson Taillon experienced back stiffness throwing Tuesday. He felt it when playing catch & was shutdown/pushed back from starting today.

Counsell said it’s not as bad as his ST back issue.

A chance Taillon could start this weekend in PIT, Cubs will see how he feels tomorrow.
— Meghan Montemurro (@M_Montemurro) May 10, 2024

The good news is that Taillon's back issue is not as bad as his issue in Spring Training, as mentioned above from Counsell. In the end, it feels more precautionary than anything else in hopes of keeping Taillon healthy for the long haul.

In four starts this season, Taillon has a 1.13 ERA and has been the boost to this rotation with the likes of Justin Steele and Jordan Wicks missing notable amounts of time. Some could say Taillon saved the Cubs' rotation with his play.

@luceontap
Jameson Taillon has saved the #cubs rotation while Wicks, Steele have been out. #ontapsportsnet #cubsbaseball #baseballtiktok #cubsontap #baseball @On Tap Sports Net
♬ original sound - Ron Luce

In addition to his sparking ERA, Taillon has pitched 24.0 innings, striking out 16 batters while walking only five during the 2024 campaign.

Last time out, Taillon dazzled. He helped the Cubs to two weekend wins over the Milwaukee Brewers, capturing an important series win. Now, the Cubs will look to take another series from a NL Central rival.

The Cubs and Pirates begin their series at 5:40 p.m. CDT on Friday. If Taillon is healthy and feels good on Saturday, he will likely start Sunday's series finale.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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