Taillon starts light workouts after test positive for cancer
The pathology report from Jameson Taillon’s surgery last week came back positive for testicular cancer, Pirates head athletic trainer Todd Tomczyk revealed Wednesday. Taillon is scheduled to be re-evaluated by doctors and surgeons next week, the next step in a proposed treatment plan.
Taillon, a 25-year-old right-hander, had surgery May 8 at Allegheny General Hospital for suspected testicular cancer. He was placed on the 10-day disabled list. It is not yet clear what type of treatment will be necessary. Taillon has been cleared to resume light baseball activities, including playing catch, and has re-engaged in light cardiovascular activity.
Taillon rejoined the Pirates at PNC Park Monday when they returned from a lengthy West Coast road trip. He worked out at the ballpark the past two days. The hope, Tomczyk said, is Taillon be cleared to continue his rehab and travel with the team after being examined next week.
“What’s most important for me, in regards to Jameson, is he’s back with the team, back in the clubhouse,” Tomczyk said. “He got to see his teammates the past two days. You could just see the joy on these guys’ eyes, and vice versa. It energizes everybody.”
Polanco out
The Pirates placed Gregory Polanco, their everyday right fielder and cleanup hitter, on the 10-day disabled list Wednesday because of a left hamstring strain. He was injured chasing a ball in the right-field corner Sunday at Chase Field and exited later in the game. Tomczyk said Polanco will be shut down for two days before resuming rehab.
The injury comes at an especially inopportune time, as the Pirates had just returned regulars Adam Frazier and David Freese from the disabled list and Polanco was streaking at the plate. He hit safely in eight of 10 games before the injury, batting .333 in that span.
“It’s a left hamstring, it’s his load side of the body,” manager Clint Hurdle said. “Give him some time down. This way we might actually be able to leverage an opportunity to get him back on the 11th day and play [at] much fuller strength than he has right now. …
“That being said, he’s walked out feeling in a good place. He’s back in right field. He’s comfortable there. He was running the bases with strength. And he was taking some ownership in the batters box for an extended period of time, for over a week, which was good to see.”
To fill the empty roster spot, the Pirates recalled outfielder Danny Ortiz from Class AAA Indianapolis. Ortiz, 27, debuted April 29 before returning to the Indians, with whom he batted .253 with four doubles and three RBIs in 27 games this season. Hurdle said Ortiz is a “very dependable” fielder who could serve as a lategame defensive substitute.
Managing McCutchen
Hurdle said he spoke with Andrew McCutchen during Tuesday’s game and explained his decision to pull the center fielder in a double-switch in the eighth inning. Hurdle needed to insert a pitcher in the lineup, and McCutchen’s spot wasn’t sure to come up again in the remaining innings. The Pirates lost, 8-4, with Chris Stewart, in the No. 3 spot, left on-deck.
McCutchen was batted .206 with a .670 OPS going into Wednesday’s game.
“Right now, that move needed to be made to give us the best chance to win the game,” Hurdle said.” Independent of how he’s swinging the bat. … I’ve seen [former Cardinals manager Tony] La Russa make it with [Albert] Pujols. Doesn’t make it right, but I’ve seen it made.”