Chicago Cubs' Jameson Taillon to Miss Time with Hamstring Injury; Matt Shaw Returns from Injured List

DENVER — The Chicago Cubs are facing another setback as starting pitcher Jameson Taillon has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to a moderate left hamstring strain. This news came just before the team's series opener against the Rockies at Coors Field, following an MRI that confirmed the injury. Cubs manager Craig Counsell indicated that Taillon is anticipated to be out until after the All-Star break in mid-July. In response, the team has recalled right-hander Ethan Roberts from Triple-A Iowa to fill Taillon's roster spot.

Taillon, 34, was recently coming off one of his stronger performances, having allowed only two runs over 6 1/3 innings against the Athletics. Unfortunately, he left Sunday’s game against the Giants in the second inning due to the hamstring issue, which he stated he hadn’t felt prior to that outing. “You don’t want to lose your guys,” Counsell remarked on Tuesday, acknowledging the challenge of dealing with multiple injuries. “It makes losing somebody else more daunting, obviously.” This marks the fifth time Taillon has landed on the IL since joining the Cubs before the 2023 season, as he currently sports a 5.19 ERA and has given up a league-high 20 home runs across 67 2/3 innings this season.

On a more positive note, utility player Matt Shaw has been activated from the injured list after dealing with back tightness that sidelined him for three weeks. He rejoined the Cubs in Colorado, leading to the optioning of outfielder Kevin Alcántara to Triple-A Iowa. Additionally, right-hander Trent Thornton has been placed on the paternity list, while Tyler Ferguson has been called up from Iowa. In his rehab stint, Shaw recorded a .286 batting average over four games, providing him the opportunity to regain his rhythm after limited action before his injury. “Honestly, it was really, really nice,” Shaw said of his time during rehab, expressing enthusiasm about returning to the lineup.

In other news, center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong has received recognition as the National League Player of the Week for the first time in his career. Over six games, he posted a remarkable .440 batting average with 11 hits, including four home runs, and also contributed six RBIs. “Realistically, I would like to come through in some different spots, and I don’t really feel very good about the week that we’ve had,” Crow-Armstrong noted, reflecting on the team's recent struggles. Manager Counsell praised his impressive week, stating, “It’s fun to watch,” and acknowledged the significance of his key hits during critical moments.