Chicago Cubs right-handed pitcher Jameson Taillon has been placed on the injured list due to a right calf strain. The injury occurred during a wind sprint after a bullpen session on Thursday. Manager Craig Counsell stated that Taillon will miss “more than a month”, which could impact the team’s rotation.
Taillon, 33, had been performing well this season with a 7-6 record and a 4.44 ERA in 17 starts. However, his injury is expected to force him out for an extended period.
To fill Taillon’s spot on the roster, the Cubs have recalled left-handed pitcher Jordan Wicks from Triple-A Iowa. Although he won’t be entering the rotation immediately, Counsell plans to use a bullpen game against the St. Louis Cardinals and then reassess their pitching situation.
The team may also consider giving right-handed pitcher Chris Flexen a larger role, as he has been impressive out of the bullpen with a 0.62 ERA in 16 games. Counsell acknowledged that Flexen is prepared to do more and could be stretched out into the starting rotation.
Despite Taillon’s injury, Cubs brass are not making any adjustments to their pursuit of starting pitching before the trade deadline on July 31. Counsell emphasized that he is focused on the next few weeks rather than the deadline.
Source: https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/45671089/cubs-jameson-taillon-miss-more-month-calf-strain