Pirates Jameson Taillon Strikes Out Three in AFL Debut

Jameson Taillon fires a fastball earlier this year for the Altoona Curve

It’s always interesting to think what Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Jameson Taillon might become. In his Arizona Fall League debut this evening, he got off to a good start.

Taillon is looking to increase his innings count and looking at it, the big right-hander should get six or seven starts. By doing this, and doing it effectively too, Taillon is going to be in a much better place next year. Should the Bucs somehow be playing in October, wouldn’t that be fantastic, Taillon is expected to be a part of the Pirates staff.

What really impresses me about the Pirates this season is the fact that Gerrit Cole has pitched almost non-stop, but his stressful innings have been controlled. You know the rule, never more than 30 in an inning. It’s an interesting take on the recent problem hitting power pitchers–staying away from Dr. Andrews.

We would have to think Cole and Taillon avoiding Tommy John over the course of their Pirates career would be nothing short of a miracle, but it seems the Bucs have a quiet confidence about their analytics on the situation.

It’s hard for me to believe that the Pirates would even flirt with their two studs should their be any concern whatsoever.

Looking at Taillon’s line tonight, it’s hard not to smile and even if it’s just for a moment, dream about next October.

At the time this was published Alen Hanson was 0-for-2 with two strikeouts, batting in the second spot in the lineup.

UPDATE: 1-FOR-3 after a bunt single.

UPDATE: Thrown out stealing. #Hurdled

UPDATE: Hanson walked and had another bunt single.

Alex Dickerson was the DH and struckout twice and also walked and scored a run. Check the Boxscore here