At PNC Park, Jameson Taillon faced a challenging moment in his Chicago Cubs career. The veteran pitcher, formerly with the Pirates, encountered difficulties during Sunday’s game, conceding seven runs across three home runs, including a grand slam. This led to the Cubs’ 8-7 defeat against the Pittsburgh Pirates. This performance left Taillon questioning his role in the Cubs’ rotation.
Initially ahead by 1-0 in the second inning, the Cubs found themselves trailing as Taillon’s struggles mounted. Despite a spirited fightback with significant contributions like Pete Crow-Armstrong’s RBI triple, the Cubs couldn’t close the gap.
Postgame, Taillon acknowledged his confidence issues. “The results speak for themselves,” he noted, feeling the weight of his current form and its impact on the team. Taillon has allowed 25 home runs this season, tying for the second-highest in the league, hinting at a deeper problem. His future, including his next planned start against the Yankees, remains in doubt.
“I think we’ve got to discuss it,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said regarding Taillon’s next start. “We need better than that. We had a great comeback, but that’s a big gap we had to make up.”
Taillon is only two starts back from a seven-week hiatus due to a hamstring injury. Nonetheless, his home run issues persist, with a worrying pattern of conceding multiple homers in most starts. “It’s been a problem all year,” Taillon admitted, emphasizing the damage left-handed hitters inflicted.
Entering the final year of his $68 million contract, Taillon’s future appears uncertain. The Cubs might need to act by the Aug. 3 trade deadline, exploring pitching options due to decreasing depth. With injuries sidelining pitchers like Cade Horton and adjusting roles for others like Justin Steele, acquiring a solid starter remains key.
There are short-term solutions. Javier Assad could replace Taillon temporarily, or Taillon might shift to bullpen duties to regain form. Edward Cabrera’s expected mid-August return offers another rotation option.
Pitching coach Tommy Hottovy highlighted Taillon’s command issues linked to poor counts. Modern advancements like ABS make this more challenging as hitters hone zone awareness. Taillon frequently found himself in disadvantageous counts, diminishing his ability to control games.
“It’s just about executing,” Hottovy emphasized. “He has a good mix, but it comes down to being in positive counts and executing. Sometimes, trying too hard makes the misses bigger.”
In the clubhouse, Taillon’s leadership remains valued. His past playoff performances were crucial, but baseball prioritizes results. The Cubs’ management faces tough decisions regarding his role.
Understanding the stakes, Taillon reflected, “I feel pressure to do better, especially for myself, but I’m aware I’m hurting the team.” At 34, Taillon remains committed to improving and contributing to the Cubs’ success.