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After using an opener in their Game 2 loss to the San Diego Padres on Wednesday, the Chicago Cubs will go the traditional route for their decisive Game 3 on Thursday. Craig Counsell told reporters on Wednesday night that veteran starting pitcher Jameson Taillon will get the start in the finale of the Cubs' National League Wild Card Series against the Padres on Thursday.
With Matthew Boyd starting in Game 1 and Shota Imanaga and Colin Rea being used in Game 2, starting Taillon on Thursday was the only logical option. There is no Justin Steele or Cade Horton available to save the Cubs' season; instead, it is the veteran pitcher who has had his share of ups and downs during his first three years with the Cubs.
Jameson Taillon could become a Cubs hero or heartbreak in Game 3
Injuries defined Taillon's second half this season, battling both a calf strain and a groin strain during the final two months before the playoffs. The silver lining is that when Taillon returned from the groin strain in September, he was excellent. Over Taillon's final three starts of the regular season, the veteran right-hander posted a 0.95 ERA while registering 15 strikeouts in 19 innings pitched. If that is the version of Taillon the Cubs get on Thursday, they will be in good shape.
That doesn't mean there isn't concern with Taillon taking the mound in Game 3. Like Imanaga, Taillon has struggled with giving up home runs this season. Taillon allowed 24 home runs in just under 130 innings pitched this season. A mark that is the tenth most among National League starting pitchers.
The Cubs almost certainly will have a short leash for Taillon on Thursday. During their loss to the Padres on Wednesday, it's worth noting that the Cubs did not use Brad Keller or Daniel Palencia. Beyond that, Michael Soroka only threw 6 pitches. Soroka likely will be the first man up if Taillon struggles early in Game 3. Taillon has been one of the veteran leaders in the Cubs' clubhouse since signing with the team before 2023, and on Thursday, they will need the veteran to carry them into the NLDS against the Milwaukee Brewers.