How Can The Pittsburgh Pirates Replace Jameson Taillon?

Apr 22, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Jameson Taillon (50) delivers a pitch against the New York Yankees during the first inning at PNC Park. The Yankees won 11-5. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 22, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Jameson Taillon (50) delivers a pitch against the New York Yankees during the first inning at PNC Park. The Yankees won 11-5. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
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Jameson Taillon
Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Pirates find themselves with a huge hole in their starting rotation

On Monday, the Pittsburgh Pirates received devastating news about young right-handed starting pitcher Jameson Taillon. It was announced that the 25-year old Taillon had been treated for testicular cancer. There, obviously, is no timetable for his return to action.

This news came just two days after Taillon was placed on the 10-day disabled list with groin discomfort. Obviously, his issues wound up being much larger than just groin discomfort. The biggest concern with Jameson Taillon right now is his long term health, beating cancer, and getting better.

While baseball is far from the most important thing in Jameson Taillon’s life right now, the season still carries on for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Clint Hurdle, Neal Huntington, and company must now look for ways to replace Jameson Taillon in their starting rotation.

Replacing Taillon’s production will not be easy. He has pitched 35 1/3 innings in 6 starts this season. He owns a 3.31 ERA, 4.01 FIP, 3.70 xFIP, and a 0.4 fWAR. He is averaging 7.64 K/9, 3.31 BB/9, and he has induced ground balls at 52.9 percent rate.

Despite this, the Pirates must try and find some way to replace Taillon. So, what options do the Pittsburgh Pirates have to replace Jameson Taillon in their starting rotation?

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