Cubs reinstate Jameson Taillon while ending one bullpen reunion and confirming another injury

Ahead of his scheduled start against the Detroit Tigers, the Chicago Cubs have reinstated Jameson Taillon from the IL, and added Aaron Civale to the 26-man roster. In what has become a trend this season, the Cubs placed struggling relief pitcher Phil Maton on the 15-day IL with a knee injury, and designated Drew Pomeranz for assignment.

The Cubs have pointed to after the All-Star break as being a moment when they can expect their pitching staff to get healthy. Taillon's return is a step in that direction, and the hope is that the veteran starting pitcher can provide some stability for the pitching staff as a whole.

Along those lines, the expectation is that Civale will pitch out of a bulk role in the bullpen. As was the case with Pomeranz, the Cubs reunited with Civale over the weekend despite the struggles he had earlier this season. If Civale can bridge a gap in the Cubs bullpen until the likes of Daniel Palenica and Hoby Milner return, that should be considered a victory.

The 2026 version of Pomeranz was far from the 2025 version. Pomeranz was an unsung hero for the Cubs' pitching staff last season, but between his run with the Angels earlier this season, and second act in Chicago, he left a lot to be desired. In six appearances, Pomeranz gave up five runs on seven hits and four walks. Between pitchers returning from the IL and potential additions at the deadline, it was clear that Pomeranz was likely going to be among the first corresponding moves when space was needed.

Cubs have a Phil Maton problem with no clear answer

The signing of Maton continues to look like a disaster for the Cubs. This is now the third time that the veteran has landed on the IL with a knee issue, and there doesn't appear to be a clear fix. Maton has said in the past that he tweaked his mechanics last offseason to lessen the workload on his knee, but the results simply haven't been there. Through 31 appearances, he sports an ERA of 6.18.

Earlier this season, it was unfeasible to think of the Cubs cutting their losses with Maton. As we creep closer to the end of the 2026 season, it's hard envisioning the 33-year-old being in a position where he is going to record meaningful outs for the Cubs this season. That may not mean the Cubs ending the experiment, they still are on the hook for the 2027 season, but the writing seems to be on wall regarding Maton's tenure.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow