Jameson Taillon’s return creates unexpected dilemma for Cubs’ postseason push

Ahead of their game against the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday night, the Chicago Cubs have activated veteran starting pitcher Jameson Taillon from the IL. Taillon had been sidelined with a groin injury that the Cubs elected to take a cautious approach with. Ethan Roberts, recently recalled after the Daniel Palencia injury, has been optioned to Triple-A Iowa.

With Taillon back in the starting rotation, the expectation is that Javier Assad will pitch out of the bullpen for the remainder of the season. Assad has been used as an up-and-down arm in the rotation since making his season debut last month, but with the injury to Palencia, he could serve as added stability for the bullpen.

Under different circumstances, Taillon likely would have pitched through the injury had the Cubs not had a comfortable lead in the National League Wild Card. Instead, the Cubs used the added time off for the veteran to ensure that he would be ready for the playoffs.

Jameson Taillon’s return gives Cubs a problem they didn’t see coming

Taillon is a curious role when mapping out the Cubs' rotation for the playoffs. Cade Horton's second-half surge has made a strong case for the rookie to be the Game 1 starter for the Cubs in the Wild Card. With the Wild Card round only being three games, the other two starting pitchers for the Cubs almost certainly will be Shota Imanaga and Matthew Boyd. With Assad already in the bullpen, the Cubs may leave Taillon off the roster for the Wild Card. If not, a role out of the bullpen could be how Taillon starts this year's playoff run.

Taillon has struggled with home runs this season, giving up 23 in a tick over 106 innings pitched on the season. He remains a workhorse for the Cubs' rotation, capable of giving six innings each time he takes the mound, but given how quickly games can shift, there is some concern about how he'll perform out of the rotation if the Cubs make it to the divisional round. As it stands, if the Cubs can align the rotation as they desire, Taillon would likely be a Game 4 starter in a series that is best of seven.

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