Taillon throws 45 pitches in 1st rehab start since hamstring strain

The battered Cubs starting rotation received positive news on Sunday.

Veteran righty Jameson Taillon completed a rehab start with High-A South Bend, pitching 3 1/3 innings. He allowed one run on four hits while striking out a pair. Taillon has been on the injured list since June 9 (retroactive to June 8) with a left hamstring strain.

Taillon did exactly what you want to see out of a veteran making a rehab start: He filled up the strike zone with 45 total pitches and 35 strikes. Opposing Beloit made him work in the first inning, recording three consecutive one-out singles before a sacrifice fly drove in a run.

Taillon allowed his only other hit in the second inning, stranding the runner at second base. He finished his day with a 1-2-3 third.

Taillon, 34, went to the IL for the second time this season after he felt something was off during a start against the Giants. He had also missed time with a left groin strain.

While Taillon's overall numbers (2-5, 5.19 ERA) don’t look great, the righty had a strong performance in the start before his latest injury, going 6 1/3 innings of two-run ball against the Athletics.

The Cubs will welcome Taillon back with open arms, as four other starters are currently on the IL: Ben Brown, Edward Cabrera, Justin Steele and Cade Horton (out for the season). Chicago has not ruled out a return before the All-Star break for Taillon.