Jameson Taillon's Latest Comments Suggest a 2019 Return is Highly Unlikely

Jameson Taillon had high expectations entering the 2019 season, expected to head the Pirates' rotation throughout the year.

Well, those plans appear to have wrapped up fairly far from coming to fruition, as the hurler only managed seven starts before hitting the shelf.

For those hoping the 27-year-old would be pitching again this season, his latest comments are not very encouraging.

Jameson Taillon: “This season is probably a wash for me.” ... Later added: “I’ve come back from a lot worse than this” and “I’m gonna find a way to become better because of this.”
— Jason Mackey (@JMackeyPG) July 25, 2019

Taillon has been on the 60-day IL for much of the season, dealing with a right flexor strain in his elbow, and his latest setback is certainly worrisome. His comments suggest that he's more focused on the 2020 campaign, rather than the current season.

What is encouraging, however, is that Taillon is confident that he will come back better than ever.

Jameson Taillon started to feel pain again in his elbow. No longer throwing. Going to see a doctor next week. Does not sound good.
— Jason Mackey (@JMackeyPG) July 24, 2019

While a mid-to-late August timetable is still a possibility, it's seeming far less likely that the Pirates, who are slipping down the NL Central standings, would risk re-injuring their best arm.

Jameson Taillon receiving bad news today re his arm should be what sends this organization into full-on sell mode. Gut this thing and rebuild. One hundred percent. Keep young guys like Bell, Reynolds, Newman, etc — but everyone else should be wide open for business.
— Colin Dunlap (@colin_dunlap) July 24, 2019

In 2018, Taillon was stellar. He went 14-10 with a 3.20 ERA and 179 strikeouts across 191.1 innings. It was his best season in the big leagues and the Buccos were certainly hoping that he'd be able to build off his strong showing.

With Taillon's 2019 season up in the air, the Pirates should opt to sell at the deadline, having fallen 8.5 games out of the NL Central lead.