Jameson Taillon Injured: Which Cubs Reliever Deserves A Starting Role?

Michael

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Post on Jul 12, 2025

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Jameson Taillon Injured: Which Cubs Reliever Deserves a Starting Role?

The Chicago Cubs received a crushing blow recently with the news of Jameson Taillon's injury, sidelining the starting pitcher for an extended period. This leaves a gaping hole in the rotation, prompting a crucial question: which reliever in the Cubs bullpen is best equipped to step up and fill the void? The team's performance for the rest of the season hinges on finding a reliable replacement.

Taillon's absence creates a significant challenge for manager David Ross. While the Cubs have several talented relievers, seamlessly transitioning one into a starting role requires more than just raw talent. It demands stamina, the ability to manage pitch counts strategically, and the mental fortitude to navigate a full nine innings.

<h3>Analyzing the Bullpen Contenders</h3>

Several Cubs relievers have emerged as potential candidates to fill the starting rotation void. Let's analyze their strengths and weaknesses:

• Adbert Alzolay: Alzolay has experience as a starter, making him an immediate frontrunner. His powerful fastball and improved secondary pitches could translate effectively to a starting role. However, consistency has been a concern in the past, and his ability to maintain effectiveness over a longer outing remains a question mark.

• Michael Fulmer: A seasoned veteran, Fulmer brings a wealth of experience to the table. His ability to pitch effectively in high-leverage situations in the bullpen could translate into managing pressure in a starting role. However, his pitch arsenal might need adjustments to suit the demands of a starter's workload.

• Keegan Thompson: Thompson has previously started games for the Cubs, providing him with some experience in this role. His command and control are generally strong, but his overall consistency as a starter needs to improve.

• Justin Steele: While primarily a starter, Steele's recent performance and injury history make him an unlikely immediate candidate for an extended starting role. His health and overall effectiveness need to be closely monitored.

<h3>Beyond the Obvious: Considering Other Factors</h3>

The decision isn't solely about raw pitching talent. Manager David Ross will also consider:

• Workload Management: The Cubs need to carefully manage the innings of any reliever transitioned to a starting role to prevent injuries and burnout.

• Minor League Options: The organization's minor league system holds potential candidates who could be called up if none of the current relievers prove a suitable fit. This strategy carries its own risks and could require a significant adjustment period.

• Trade Possibilities: Depending on the severity and duration of Taillon’s injury, the Cubs may explore acquiring a starting pitcher via trade to shore up the rotation. This would, of course, depend on the team’s willingness to part with valuable assets.

<h3>The Crucial Decision Ahead</h3>

The decision facing Manager Ross is a critical one. The Cubs' success for the remainder of the season will heavily depend on the choice made. Will he opt for a proven reliever with starting experience, or will he take a chance on a less-experienced but potentially high-reward option? The coming weeks will reveal how the Cubs intend to navigate this challenging situation and whether they can successfully overcome the setback of Taillon's injury. The right choice could make or break their playoff aspirations. Stay tuned for further updates.

Keywords: Jameson Taillon, Chicago Cubs, MLB, baseball injury, starting pitcher, reliever, Adbert Alzolay, Michael Fulmer, Keegan Thompson, Justin Steele, MLB news, baseball news, Cubs rotation, playoff race.