Pirates Place Jameson Taillon On The Disabled List

Apr 28, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Francisco Cervelli (left) talks with Pirates starting pitcher Jameson Taillon (right) near the pitching mound during the fifth inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Francisco Cervelli (left) talks with Pirates starting pitcher Jameson Taillon (right) near the pitching mound during the fifth inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Jameson Taillon is the latest member of the 2017 Pirate M.A.S.H. unit

The Pittsburgh Pirates currently sit just 3 games back of the Chicago Cubs for first place in the National League Central. A big reason for this is due to the strong starting pitching the Pirates have gotten this season. Right-handed pitcher Jameson Taillon has been a big reason for the success of the starting rotation.

Unfortunately for Taillon and the Pirates, he was placed on the 10-day disabled list on Saturday evening. The reason for this move is a right hamstring issue. Hopefully, Taillon will not miss much time.

Jameson Taillon has pitched 35 1/3 innings in 6 starts this season. In these 6 starts, he owns a 3.31 ERA, 4.08 FIP, and a 3.74 xFIP. He is averaging 7.64 K/9, but has been plagued by walk issues (3.31 BB/9) and the long ball (1.02 HR/9).

To replace Taillon on the active roster the Pirates promoted Josh Lindblom from Triple-A Indianapolis. Lindblom last pitched in the Majors in 2014 with the Oakland Athletics. In 18 innings pitched at Triple-A this season he owns a 2.50 ERA, 4.34 FIP, and a 4.84 xFIP.

The reason the Pirates promoted Josh Lindblom was due to the need for a long reliever. Wade LeBlanc will be unavailable for at least a day or two, and Trevor Williams will replace Taillon in the rotation.

Jameson Taillon was originally scheduled to start for the Pirates against the Dodgers in Los Angeles on Monday night. Instead, right-handed pitcher Trevor Williams will make the start for the Pirates.

Williams has pitched 11 2/3 innings out of the bullpen for the Pirates this season. He owns a 5.40 ERA, 5.35 FIP, and a 5.82 xFIP. He’s averaging 7.71 K/9, 5.40 BB/9, and 1.54 HR/9. It goes without saying that 2017 has been a struggle for Williams so far.

Next: The Bullpen's Unsung Hero

Everything that can go wrong for the Pirates so far in 2017 has gone wrong. Jung Ho Kang is being held captive by a corrupt visa system, Starling Marte is suspended until July, and Adam Frazier, David Freese, and Jameson Taillon are all on the disabled list. Hopefully, Taillon will not miss more than a start or two.

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