CHICAGO -- The Cubs’ already-thin starting rotation took another hit Sunday night.
Right-hander Jameson Taillon exited Chicago’s series finale against the Giants after recording just three outs. He left during the second inning, with the team announcing the injury as a left hamstring strain.
Taillon completed the first frame, but not without trouble. The veteran right-hander threw 29 pitches, allowing one run on two hits and a walk while striking out two. He stranded runners at second and third to end the frame.
When Taillon returned to the mound for the second inning, something quickly appeared amiss. After issuing a six-pitch leadoff walk to Matt Chapman, he immediately motioned toward the Cubs’ dugout and was visited by manager Craig Counsell and a member of the training staff.
A brief conversation followed before Taillon exited the game, being replaced by Javier Assad, who was recalled from Triple-A Iowa on Saturday.
The timing is particularly concerning for a Cubs club that has already spent much of the season navigating injuries within its starting staff. Chicago is currently without Matthew Boyd, Justin Steele and Cade Horton, placing additional strain on a rotation that has been forced to rely heavily on its depth.
Taillon entered Sunday having made 13 starts this season, posting a 5.13 ERA with 57 strikeouts across 66 2/3 innings. The 34-year-old has been valuable to the Cubs over the past three seasons, making his health especially important as Chicago attempts to weather a difficult stretch.
Now, the Cubs will wait for further clarity on the severity of the injury -- and hope they haven’t lost another starter for an extended period of time.