The Chicago Cubs have designated RHP Jameson Taillon for assignment, removing him from the team’s 40-man roster.
Just one day removed from another brutal start for Jameson Taillon, the Chicago Cubs wasted no time examining their options. Manager Craig Counsell was non-committal about Taillon’s next start, suggesting some internal deliberation in the following days. However, the Cubs were much quicker with their decision than possibly expected.
According to the team, Taillon has been designated for assignment. LHP Andrew Wantz was selected from Triple-A Iowa to replace the veteran righty.
After three solid seasons with the Cubs, Taillon seemingly lost any juice he had this season. Rather than letting the problem fester any longer, the Cubs made a difficult decision in the middle of a postseason push.
As a result, Taillon could be claimed by another team or simply released by the Cubs. There is always the chance the Cubs decide to hold onto Taillon, but they’ll likely offer him the option in the next seven days to find another team to pitch for this season. As a respected veteran, that feels like the proper move instead of relegating him to the minors.
As for Taillon’s replacement, Wantz was signed midseason by the Cubs as organizational depth. In seven appearances (three starts) with Iowa, Wantz pitched 25.0 innings to the tune of a 4.32 ERA. Wantz fanned 26 batters, but allowed 15 walks in that timespan, which could present some control trouble.
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The real question will come on Friday, when Taillon’s slot in the rotation comes up. Wantz could make the start in conjunction with Javier Assad to bridge the starting gap. However, that will likely be the last time that strategy is needed with the MLB trade deadline on the horizon. The Cubs will surely be aggressive in pursuit of a solid starter.