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Jameson Taillon Shines In His Second Rehab Start

By Marty Leap

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 /
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The Pittsburgh Pirates are getting very close to getting a key arm back in their starting rotation

On Friday night, Jameson Taillon made a rehab start for Triple-A Indianapolis. This was Taillon’s second rehab start on his road back after being treated for testicular cancer. Much like he was in his first rehab start, Taillon was excellent on Friday night.

Jameson Taillon pitched 5 innings for the Indianapolis Indians on Friday night. In these 5 innings of work, he allowed an unearned run on 3 hits, zero walks, and 6 strikeouts. He needed just 68 pitches to get through these 5 innings of work.

This start just built upon the success Taillon had in his first rehab start, which came for Double-A Altoona last Sunday. In his 2 rehab starts Jameson Taillon has now pitched a combined 8 innings between Double-A and Triple-A. In these 8 innings, he has not allowed an earned run and has surrendered just 4 hits. Furthermore, he was walked just 1 batter and has struck out 12.

Now, it appears that Taillon could be on the brink of returning to the Major Leagues. “I personally feel ready (to return to the Pirate rotation) mentally, physically,” Taillon told reporters after the game. However, he also acknowledged that the decision of when he will return to the Major Leagues is out of his hands.

It remains to be seen if Jameson Taillon will make another rehab start or not. Personally, I believe that he will to continue to get his pitch count up just a tad higher. Regardless of what the next step is for Taillon, he is very close to taking the step back into the Major Leagues.

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It appears that sooner rather than later Jameson Taillon will be rejoining the Pirates’ starting rotation. The fact that Taillon is so close to returning to the Major Leagues less than a month after having surgery to treat testicular cancer is a true testament to the person and competitor that he is. Hopefully, Pirate fans will be watching Taillon pitch again very soon.

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