Jameson Taillon Set To Return From The Disabled List

Tonight, Jameson Taillon will return from the disabled list for the Pittsburgh Pirates

Five weeks ago today Jameson Taillon’s life changed forever. Two days after being placed on the disabled list with groin discomfort, he had a surgical procedure done to treat testicular cancer. At this point, it was unclear when, or if, Taillon would return to the mound for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2017.

Even before being treated for testicular cancer, Taillon’s road had not been an easy one. The former second overall draft pick had already lost essentially two full seasons in 2014 and 2015 due to Tommy John Surgery and a hernia issue. These setbacks did not derail Taillon, however, and neither has this latest and most serious one.

Less than three weeks after his surgery, Taillon was pitching in rehab games. After a rehab start for Double-A Altoona and two for Triple-A Indianapolis, Taillon is ready to return to the Major League rotation. And his return will take place at 7:05 PM tonight at PNC Park.

In his three rehab starts Jameson Taillon logged 14 innings pitched. He allowed 5 earned runs on 13 hits, no home runs, 3 walks, and 21 strikeouts in these 14 innings pitched. In his final rehab start with Indianapolis, he was able to throw 98 pitches in 6 innings of work.

Prior to going on the disabled list, Jameson Taillon had made six starts this season. In these six starts, Taillon owned a 3.31 ERA, 4.13 FIP, 3.85 xFIP, and a 0.4 fWAR in 35 1/3 innings pitched. It goes without saying that his 2017 campaign was off to a great start.

Next: Bucs Split Series With Marlins

Jameson Taillon’s journey has not been an easy one. However, Taillon continues to prove to be a great competitor and an even stronger person. His next test will come tonight, as he returns to the mound against the high powered Colorado Rockie offense. Hopefully, this will be yet another test that he passes with flying colors.