Cubs Staff Will Be Tested With Taillon On Injured List
In past years, it would have been time to panic with the news that Jameson Taillon was going on the injured list.
These are different times for the Chicago Cubs.
They’re deeper and more polished at every position.
Despite Taillon’s strained left groin, the Cubs have more than enough depth in their starting rotation to not only survive but thrive.
Javier Assad was recalled from Triple-A Iowa and Kyle Hendricks will soon join him.
"The big thing for me is we talk about how many guys it's going to take to get through a season,” Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy told reporters. “Obviously you'd love to get as deep in the season as you possibly can before you need to start dipping into that depth. But we have it, so we're going to absolutely utilize it and make sure that we give Jamo the time he needs to get back right."
Taillon sent this Tweet to remind the passionate Cubs fan base that everything was going to be OK.
The tweet stated: “I’m going to put my head down and attack this rehab recovery! I’ll be doing every single thing in my power to come back stronger and in good time. Can’t wait to get back to competing and getting after it with the boys all summer long at Wrigley!!”
The starting staff has been anchored by Marcus Stroman (0.75 ERA) and Justin Steele (1.44 ERA). Drew Smyly and Hayden Wesneski have pitched very well at times with plenty of room to improve.
With an 11-7 record, the Cubs are showing that they’re a team expected to make the playoffs.
“Last year we didn't have enough depth to withstand (injuries)," Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer told reporters. "This year, we have guys like Javy. Hopefully Kyle comes back soon. Hopefully we've built up some more depth. Injuries can never be an excuse, right? So you've just gotta have guys ready to fill those spots."
Chicago sure seems ready. Obviously, it’s a better team with Taillon in the rotation. But it’s nice to know they can hold up while key pitchers get healthy.
That’s a major step in the right direction.
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