Jameson Taillon set to return to PNC Park
With no. 2 overall pick in the 2010 MLB Draft the Pittsburgh Pirates selected pitcher Jameson Taillon. Taillon’s career with the Pirates proved to be a wild ride filled with injury issues. When he was on the mound, however, Taillon always pitched well.
Taillon had two Tommy John surgeries with the Pirates, as well as a hernia that required surgery. As most baseball fans know, Taillon also had to battle testicular cancer during his time in Pittsburgh.
Due to his second Tommy John surgery Taillon missed the entire 2020 season. Following the 2020 season the Pirates traded Taillon to the Yankees in exchange for Roansy Contreras, Miguel Yajure, Canaan Smith-Njigba, and Maikol Escotto.
In game one of the series Taillon will toe the rubber for the Yankees. When Taillon takes the mound at PNC Park it will be his first time back at PNC Park since being traded, as well as his first time pitching against his former club.
As Taillon prepares to hit free agency for the first time in his career he is putting together a strong season in the Bronx. Taillon has a 3.32 ERA, 3.25 FIP, 3.2% walk rate and a 19.8% strikeout rate in 84 innings pitched across 15 starts.
Taillon should get a great reaction when he returns to the PNC Park mound on Tuesday night. It is one that will be well deserved too with everything he battled during his time in Pittsburgh. Now let’s hope Taillon goes 7 strong but takes a loss.