Cubs News: Craig Counsell on Jameson Taillon, Alex Bregman hope, Lance McCullers Jr

Craig Counsell's honesty on Sunday was an indicator the Chicago Cubs were approaching the end of the line with Jameson Taillon. One day later, Taillon was designated for assignment. There's no question that it was the right move, but such a decision was certainly going to be felt in the clubhouse.

Speaking with reporters before Monday's victory over the St. Louis Cardinals, Counsell all but indicated the Cubs ran out of a plan for Taillon. Counsell didn't sound confident that the Cubs would be able to fix what has plagued Taillon this season, at least, not in enough time for him to be a contributor for the pitching staff before the end of the season.

“We had to make a hard decision as to whether we thought Jameson was going to pitch again,” Counsell said. “With where we’re at in the season and with what’s gone on in his season, we just didn’t feel like it was going to happen again."

The move was made possible by the reality of Taillon being on an expiring contract. Add that with the reality that his spot in the rotation is likely to be taken by the starting pitcher the Cubs trade for, and it was clear what had to be done.

Alex Bregman's big night vs St. Louis Cardinals sparks hope

It seems we're at this stage once every other week, but Alex Bregman's night against the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday is hope for what the rest of the season could bring. Bregman collected four hits in five plate appearances against the Cardinals, including a home run and a double.

Nearing the end of July, it's clear that Bregman has sacrificed some of his plate discipline for additional slug. His wRC+ for the month is up to 110, and he has 4 home runs with 16 RBI. The home run and RBI output this month is the most of any other month for Bregman this season, and he's drawn eight walks. The Cubs will probably take that moving forward, considering Bregman is almost always going to be in a position to drive in Pete Crow-Armstrong.

Brewers already end Lance McCullers Jr. experiment, but that's not an offer for the Cubs

The Milwaukee Brewers have already ended the experiment with Lance McCullers Jr. McCullers was released earlier this week, and some have speculated that the Cubs could turn to the veteran starting pitcher as an immediate replacement for Taillon.

Of the 23 hitters McCullers faced during his brief run with the Brewers, he walked five of them. He also gave up five runs on three hits in less than five innings of work. Under no circumstance should the Cubs consider McCullers, especially with the trade deadline less than one week away.

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