TORONTO – Another starting rotation reinforcement is on the way for the Cubs.
Right-hander Jameson Taillon threw 5 1/3 scoreless innings and worked up to 84 pitches at Triple-A Iowa in what was his final rehab outing on Wednesday afternoon. He allowed two hits, walked two and struck out four to help Iowa to a win over Worcester.
The plan now is for him to rejoin the rotation next week when the Cubs begin a series at Wrigley Field against the National League Central-leading Brewers, manager Craig Counsell said prior to Wednesday night’s 4-1 win over the Blue Jays.
Taillon was placed on the IL July 4, retroactive to July 1, with a right calf strain.
In total, he made three appearances on his rehab assignment dating back to Aug. 3, putting together 13 innings of work.
He ultimately checked the final box in his last start.
“It was a good outing for him, stretched him out and he’s ready to go,” Counsell said. “Getting more guys back and healthy is really valuable. He’s always somebody we’ve been able to count on for consistency.”
Taillon joins Javier Assad, who was activated from 60-day IL on Tuesday to make his season debut, as pitchers coming back into the fold.
When he officially comes off the IL, Chicago will have six active starters in Taillon, Assad, Shota Imanaga, Matthew Boyd, Colin Rea and Cade Horton.
It’s a rotation that’s performed extremely well of late. Entering Game 2 of their series vs. the Blue Jays, Cubs starters had pitched to a league-leading 2.99 ERA since July 12, a span encompassing 24 games.
Following Tuesday’s 5-1 loss to Toronto, Counsell noted a six-man rotation could be something to consider come September but that it isn’t currently in the plans.
Even with the reality of six starting pitchers soon to be official, he wouldn’t tip his hand as to what comes next on Wednesday.
“We’ve got decisions in the rotation with getting healthy,” he said. “We’ll make those decisions when we have to.”