Projected Cubs playoff rotation after Jameson Taillon injury will test confidence

By placing Jameson Taillon on the IL, the Chicago Cubs already have an eye on the construction of their playoff rotation. If things were dire for the Cubs and their playoff chances, they likely would have seen if Taillon could pitch through his current groin injury. Instead, in control of their playoff fate, the Cubs can afford to play things safe, ensuring Taillon will be ready in time for October.

With the playoff rotation starting to factor into the roster decisions the Cubs are making between now and the end of the season, it feels like a good time to outline the early draft of what it may look like.

Game 1 - Shota Imanaga

By reputation, Shota Imanaga remains the ace of the Cubs' starting rotation. Throughout Imanaga's first two seasons, there hasn't been a moment too big for him. Assuming the Cubs reach the playoffs, it would be Imanaga's first career start in the playoffs, but he hasn't shied away from similar pressure in the past.

Game 2 - Cade Horton

There is a legitimate argument to be made that Cade Horton should be the Game 1 starter for the Cubs, but between what is likely to be an innings limit and the fact that he is a rookie, sliding him in after Imanaga feels like the right move. That being said, Horton has been the Cubs' best starting pitcher since July 1 and seems to be on the ascent toward being the team's next ace.

Game 3 - Matthew Boyd

The shine of Matthew Boyd's All-Star season appears to be wearing off ever so slightly. Over his last two starts, Boyd has been tagged for 9 runs on 12 hits while walking 6. There's no reason to sound the alarms just yet, but if Horton continues his dominant stretch of starts, it feels like the rookie will get the nod ahead of the veteran.

Game 4 - Jameson Taillon

The Cubs won't need a Game 4 starter for the wild-card round, but if they advance, Jameson Taillon likely would slot in after Imanaga, Horton, and Boyd. Taillon's 2025 season has been inconsistent, but he has demonstrated a consistent ability to get the Cubs to the seventh inning. That could come in handy as the Cubs try to keep their bullpen fresh in October.

The potential is certainly there for the Cubs to have a strong playoff rotation, but it's a rotation that does come with some question marks. Will there be regression with Horton? Are Boyd's struggles a sign of him tiring out? Is Taillon even healthy?

Those questions are why many thought the Cubs would follow through on their goal of adding an experienced playoff starting pitcher to their rotation at the deadline. Instead, their answer was Michael Soroka, who seems to be ticketed for the bullpen once he returns from injury.

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