The Chicago Cubs’ plans to bolster their pitching staff by the July 31 trade deadline have taken a hit with Jameson Taillon’s sudden injury. The right-hander, who had been one of the team’s most reliable pitchers this season, will miss “more than a month” with a strained calf muscle.
This setback is the latest in a series of injuries to impact the Cubs’ rotation, including Justin Steele’s season-ending elbow surgery and Shota Imanaga’s nearly two-month absence due to a hamstring injury. Despite these challenges, the Cubs have maintained their lead in the National League Central and boast a strong offense, defense, and revamped bullpen.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell plans to take a pragmatic approach, using the upcoming four-day All-Star break as an opportunity to reassess the team’s pitching situation. He has set Matthew Boyd for “Sunday Night Baseball” this weekend and is considering stretching out Chris Flexen, who has pitched well in relief, into a starting role.
Jordan Wicks, recalled from Triple-A Iowa to replace Taillon, will not slot into the rotation. Meanwhile, Javier Assad remains on the 60-day injured list with a strained oblique muscle, but the Cubs are hopeful he can continue his throwing program and return to action in August.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6474109/2025/07/04/cubs-jameson-taillon-injured-trade-deadline