Jameson Taillon Dazzles In His Return To The Mound

Last night Jameson Taillon made his first professional start since 2013 as he took the hill for the AAA Indianapolis Indians. The former number two overall draft pick has been sidetracked by Tommy John Surgery and hernia surgery the past two seasons, but Taillon appears to be back and better than ever.

Last night Taillon pitched 6 innings, allowing 1 run on 6 hits, 0 walks, and he struck out 6. Reports were that Taillon’s fastball was sitting in the mid-90s, and his curveball, the pitch he is known for, was crisp with good bite. This is great news for the Pirates. No matter what anyone says, there had to be some worry about Taillon going into this start but he put those worries to rest.

Stuff wise Jameson Taillon is already Major League ready. If not for the injuries that have set him back the past two seasons he’d already be in the Majors. He is also a very polished pitcher which should also help speed up his arrival in the Majors.

It should come as no surprise that Taillon did not walk a batter last night, as he has always had great control throughout his Minor League career. Taillon owns an excellent 2.6 BB/9 in his professional career, and this pinpoint control should also help get Taillon to the Major Leagues in a hurry.

The biggest thing Taillon needs now is time. He needs time at AAA to log innings, build up his stamina, build up his arm strength, and time to work on perfecting things before he reaches the Majors. Once Taillon reaches the Majors, which while many will expect to be in June I would not be totally shocked if it came sooner, he will give the Pirates one heck of a 1-2-3 punch along with Gerrit Cole and Francisco Liriano.

The Pirates are expecting Jameson Taillon to give their starting rotation a boost this summer, much like Gerrit Cole did in the summer of 2013. Last night was a great first step toward that happening for both Taillon and the Pirates. Be prepared Pirate fans, because Jameson Taillon is coming.