Taillon is scheduled to pitch Sunday for Class AA Curve
Sunday, one day shy of threeweeks since having surgery for testicular cancer, Jameson Taillon will return to pitch for Class AA Altoona in Erie. Taillon will begin his rehabilitation assignment with the Curve, starting his climb back to the majors.
Taillon, 25, was placed on the10-day disabled list May 6 and had surgery two days later, a procedure to remove a potentially cancerous tumor performed by Dr. John C. Lyne at Allegheny General Hospital. The pathology report came back positive for testicular cancer, but doctors believe they detected it early. So far, Taillon has had no chemotherapy.
For the past three weeks, Pirates players and staff have worn “JAMO #50” wristbands.
Taillon has heard from fans and fellow players who have had similar surgeries. He texts often with Colorado Rockies right-hander Chad Bettis, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer in November. Bettis’ cancer was more advanced, and the treatment more aggressive. Bettis has yet to return to throwing, but he told Taillon Thursday to not hesitate getting back on the mound.
After a week of rest, Taillon was cleared to begin playing catch. He stepped back on the mound for the first time Tuesday in Atlanta for his first bullpen session. He threw again Thursday, a 35-pitch session he described as “more competitive” than the first.
“Every step along the way has been a relief,” Taillon said in Atlanta. “Every little step of good news is a relief in its own way. Being out here, being around the guys, that’s the biggest relief. That’s my comfort zone.
“I just want to return to normalcy. I know it’s everyone’s job to talk about it, but I want to get to a point where ... I’m not the center of attention, and I just make my headlines pitching.”
Taillon has a 3.31 ERA in six starts for the Pirates this season. The second-overall pick in the 2010 draft, he missed the 2014 and 2015 seasons because of Tommy John ligament-replacement surgery and hernia surgery. Taillon made his major league debut June 8, 2016 and had a 3.38 ERA in 18 starts last season.
Minor league rehabilitation assignments for pitchers can last a maximum of 30 days.
As Taillon threw just 35 pitches in his most recent bullpen session, he likely will throw only an inning or two for Altoona. There will be a build-up period, pitching first for Altoona and likely then for Class AAA Indianapolis. Either way, Taillon’s return will come quicker than most expected.
In Indy
Two rehabbing Pirates relievers are on track to return soon from the 10-day disabled list. Left-hander Antonio Bastardo and right-hander Josh Lindblom reported to Indianapolis Saturday to begin their respective rehab assignments.
Bastardo went on the disabled list with a left quad strain April 25 after a disastrous first few weeks of the season. He allowed 12 runs in 6⅔ innings over six April appearances. His 16.20 ERA was complemented by a 3.300 WHIP — 15 hits and seven walks over 42 batters faced.
After some time down, Bastardo began a throwing program at the Pirates training facility in Bradenton, Fla. He pitched in an intra-squad game Tuesday and again Thursday at extended spring training. Bastardo is due a $6.5 million salary this season.
“The reports have been very solid,” manager Clint Hurdle said. “This is the next step. The development has been good. He feels competitive.He feels strong.”
Lindblom, placed on the disabled list May 20 with left side discomfort, is “ready to go much quicker than we’ve anticipated,” Hurdle said. Lindblom, 29, allowed 18 hits and nine runs in 10⅓ innings for the Pirates in May, working almost exclusively in a long-relief role.