Teammates show support for Taillon with wristband
LOS ANGELES — When the Pirates walked into the visiting clubhouse at Dodger Stadium Wednesday afternoon, each found in his locker a purple wristband with “JAMO #50” written in white. From afar, they showed their support for right-hander Jameson Taillon, who on Monday had surgery at Allegheny General Hospital for suspected testicular cancer.
“It’s one way we can let him know we’re thinking about him all the time,” said manager Clint Hurdle, wearing one of the bands on his right wrist. “I’m not sure how far-reaching [the wristband campaign] will end up being. I’m sure there will be a lot of people who will ask about them.”
The wristbands were ordered by the communications staff Monday. A hundred wristbands were shipped to Dodger Stadium, where they were given to Pirates players, coaches and staff. There currently is no plan to purchase more and make them available to the public.
Hurdle said he has texted with Taillon over the past two days. Hurdle has had “an outpouring of people reach out” with messages for Taillon, he said, and he has “handpicked a few to pass on.”
Taillon, a 25-year-old starting pitcher, was placed on the 10-day disabled list Saturday. His recovery timeline is undetermined. According to Cleveland Clinic, 95 percent of testicular cancer cases are treated successfully.
Head athletic trainer Todd Tomczyk offered no update on Taillon’s recommended treatment plan, preferring to stick to the previously released statements by Taillon and the team.
“There’s nothing new to report at this time,” Tomczyk said. “Unbelievable man. Unbelievable human being. Jameson and I speak every day about life. He’s in a good spot mentally.”
Closing in
Adam Frazier and David Freese, both rehabbing hamstring strains, are expected to return to the lineup in the “near future,” according to Tomczyk. Frazier, scheduled to start Thursday for Class AAA Indianapolis, has experienced no soreness or setbacks in his rehab assignment.
Currently, the Pirates do not plan for Freese to go on a rehab assignment. He has participated in full baseball activities three days in a row. Once Freese is healthy, the Pirates intend to return him to an everyday player immediately, with occasional off days, rather than ease him in off the bench.
When the Pirates have a full boat again, Hurdle expects to plug Freese in at third base, and use Frazier and Josh Harrison to fill the holes in left field and second base. Hurdle said his “gut feeling” is Frazier will play left, should his health permit it, with Harrison moving back to second.
Other injuries
Left-hander Antonio Bastardo (hamstring) has resumed throwing off the mound at Pirate City in Bradenton, Fla., Tomczyk said. Bastardo has reported being pain-free. The next step is to continue mound work next week and rebuild arm strength.
Right-hander Nick Kingham (ankle) has thrown as many as five innings at extended spring training. His next start, Tomczyk said, will be scheduled soon for Class A Bradenton.
Shortstop Kevin Newman, one of the Pirates’ top position-player prospects, left Class AA Altoona’s game Wednesday after being struck in the head with a fastball. Newman, who had his orbital bone broken by an errant pitch last season, was diagnosed with a forehead contusion, not a concussion, manager Michael Ryan said, according to Curve broadcaster Trey Wilson.
Tomczyk had no further update on Newman, as he was still being evaluated by physicians.