Cubs’ Jameson Taillon to Miss Time with Hamstring Strain

DENVER (AP) — The Chicago Cubs will be without pitcher Jameson Taillon until after the All-Star break due to a strained left hamstring. The right-handed starter left Sunday’s matchup against the San Francisco Giants after just two innings and was subsequently placed on the 15-day injured list on Tuesday, coinciding with the start of a three-game series against the Colorado Rockies.

In response to Taillon’s injury, the Cubs made several roster adjustments, including the return of outfielder/infielder Matt Shaw from the 10-day IL and the promotion of right-handed pitchers Ethan Roberts and Tyler Ferguson from Triple-A Iowa. The team also optioned designated hitter Kevin Alcántara back to Iowa and placed pitcher Trent Thornton on the paternity list.

Taillon’s absence adds to the Cubs’ pitching woes, as the team is already missing key players like Matthew Boyd, Cade Horton, and Justin Steele. Boyd, who started on opening day, is expected to return soon, with plans to pitch this weekend in San Francisco.

Taillon, who has a record of 2-5 and a 5.19 ERA this season, pitched one inning against the Giants, allowing one run before exiting. Manager Craig Counsell commented, “After the All-Star break, I think, would be what we’re shooting for. The margins become... it makes losing somebody else more daunting, obviously.”

Shaw, who is batting .242 with three home runs and 12 RBIs, expressed his eagerness to contribute. “Ready to help in any way I can,” he stated. “Whatever that looks like, whatever that kind of manifests into, whether it's some of those late-inning pinch running situations, I look forward to those.”