PITTSBURGH -- Following surgery last week, Jameson Taillon's pathology report came back positive for testicular cancer. The Pirates right-hander will be re-evaluated by doctors and surgeons next week, head athletic trainer Todd Tomczyk said Wednesday, but he has been cleared for light baseball activities.
After Taillon informed the Pirates medical staff of an abnormality, he consulted with Dr. John C. Lyne, who performed surgery on May 8 at Allegheny General Hospital. Taillon has reported to PNC Park the last two days, playing catch and performing some cardiovascular exercises.
"He got to see his teammates the past two days, and you could just see the joy in these guys' eyes," Tomczyk said. "Reciprocally, Jamo saw these guys and it energizes everybody. I'm getting goosebumps just talking about it."
The Pirates hope to have Taillon traveling full-time and continuing his rehabilitation with the team after he is re-examined next week. At that point, they should be able to begin scheduling a treatment plan. It is still too early to determine a timeline for Taillon's eventual return to the mound, Tomczyk said.
Taillon, 25, made his Major League debut last season after sitting out two years following Tommy John surgery and a hernia operation. He immediately provided a boost to the Pirates' rotation, going 7-6 with a 3.36 ERA in 24 career starts.
The former No. 2 overall Draft pick earned respect throughout the organization for his maturity and poise as well as his attitude through the various setbacks he's encountered. Taillon's teammates have been thrilled to see him back at the ballpark and eager to support him.
"Normal Jamo. Came in like any other day and had a conversation. It was great," starter Tyler Glasnow said on Tuesday. "It definitely doesn't deserve to happen to somebody like him, but that's life. He's battling through it."