Cubs manager Craig Counsell announces unfortunate Jameson Taillon injury update

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell confirmed after Sunday night’s 2-1, 10-inning loss to the San Francisco Giants that right-hander Jameson Taillon will be placed on the injured list following a left hamstring strain suffered during the second inning at Wrigley Field.

“It’s a left hamstring strain, imaging tomorrow, it’s an IL,” said manager Craig Counsell postgame. “So we’ll get more information tomorrow on severity and maybe an idea of a timeline.”

The injury occurred during a six-pitch walk to Giants third baseman Matt Chapman. Taillon, who had already thrown 29 pitches in the first inning, appeared uncomfortable early in the at-bat and signaled toward the dugout after issuing ball four. Following conversation with Counsell and the training staff, the 34-year-old exited the game after recording only three outs. Taillon later said he first felt discomfort after throwing an inside changeup to Chapman when the count was 2-2.

The setback adds to Chicago’s growing list of pitching injuries. The rotation is already without Matthew Boyd, Justin Steele and Cade Horton. Boyd is nearing a return after two rehab starts at Triple-A Iowa and recovery from left meniscus surgery, while Steele’s comeback from Tommy John surgery has been pushed to the second half of the season. Horton also underwent Tommy John surgery. Right-hander Edward Cabrera was activated from the injured list on Friday after recovering from a blister issue.

Before the injury, Taillon had made all 13 of the Cubs’ starts. He owns a 2-5 record with a 5.19 ERA across 67 2/3 innings and has struck out 57 batters. His season has been impacted by home-run problems, as his 20 homers allowed lead Major League Baseball.

Although Chicago lost the game, it found a silver lining in Javier Assad, who was called up from Triple-A Iowa on Saturday and took Taillon’s place. Assad threw 6 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing only one hit and one walk while striking out five. He retired 12 consecutive hitters and became the first pitcher in franchise history since 1974 to toss a scoreless relief outing of more than six innings. His performance could make him a candidate for a rotation role if the Cubs needs a replacement while Taillon recovers.

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