David Todd interviewed Jim Benedict today, who said that Jameson Taillon will pitch in game action for the first time on Thursday.
#Pirates Jim Benedict: Jameson Taillon is best rehab project he’s ever seen. Thurs Taillon will pitch to guys in diff color jerseys. Big day
— David Todd (@DTonPirates) May 12, 2015
This is a big step in the rehab progression for Taillon, and moves him one step closer to a return to Indianapolis and eventually Pittsburgh. In addition, on the pregame of the Indianapolis Indians radio broadcast, Pirates assistant pitching instructor Tom Filer said that Taillon is right on schedule and has actually improved in getting the ball down during this rehab.
**John Holdzkom was sent to the DL in Indianapolis with some shoulder issues. Pirates manager Clint Hurdle announced on Monday that Holdzkom would be shut down for the time being with shoulder fatigue, so the DL trip should not come as a surprise.
The corresponding roster move for Holdzkom was adding Clayton Richard to the roster. Richard will start on Wednesday and take Chris Volstad’s spot in the rotation for Indianapolis.
**Charlie Leesman left last night’s Indianapolis start after experiencing tightness behind his shoulder.
**Justin Topa was originally slated to pitch in the Bradenton rotation to start the 2015 season. He went on the disabled list before his first start with an elbow injury. Last week, Topa had Tommy John surgery. It was the second surgery for Topa, who also had the procedure in college. The right-hander struggled last year with a 6.09 ERA in West Virginia, but had a good fastball that could touch the mid-90s.
Tim Williams contributed to this report.
