Chicago Cubs Starter Progressing in Rehab as He Moves to Next Steps

The Chicago Cubs could be getting a much needed return from one of their starting pitchers after he continues to progress in his rehab.

Sep 30, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jameson Taillon (50) / Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Cubs were dealt a blow in Spring Training when they had to put starting pitcher Jameson Taillon on the injured list with a back strain.

He was one of their high-priced additions two offseasons ago when he signed a four-year, $68 million deal in free agency.

His debut season didn't go as planned during 2023 when he put up an ERA of 4.84 over his 30 appearances and 29 starts. That had his ERA+ at a below-average 93, while his walk rate, hits per nine, and home runs per nine innings all increased.

The Cubs were hoping to get a bounce back year from Taillon in 2024, but he unfortunately wasn't able to be with the team to begin the season.

However, it seems like the right-hander could be making his return to the rotation soon.

After starting his rehab program at Chicago's Double-A affiliate, he has been moved to Triple-A according to Meghan Montemurro of The Chicago Tribune.

Taillon didn't exactly impress in his lone start, allowing three earned runs on six hits over 2 2/3 innings pitched. Still, the Cubs are deciding to move him along to the next steps of his rehab assignment as he joined the Triple-A team.

He's expected to take the mound at some point this week with the aim that he'll be back in Chicago at some time during mid-April.

The Cubs will certainly welcome him back with open arms as they are down their ace Justin Steele and have had to patch together their rotation following the absence of the left-hander and Taillon.