The Pittsburgh Pirates have optioned Jameson Taillon to Indianapolis and have recalled Kyle Lobstein, per a team press release. There were indications that Taillon’s start last night would be a spot start, although he did look like he belonged in the majors. The move makes sense though, as the Pirates were already short a reliever, and have used their bullpen a lot the last two nights.
I’d expect Taillon to be back soon. He has to spend ten days on optional assignment, which means the earliest he can return is next Sunday against the Cubs. He could return sooner if the Pirates place someone on the disabled list before that time. His next start with the Pirates wouldn’t have been until Tuesday, so if he does return on Sunday, he would essentially just be pushed back a few days. If the Pirates did bring him back next week, it could give them the opportunity to skip a start and limit his innings further.
The Pirates have an off-day on Monday, which means they can go with a four man rotation until next Saturday. That’s the first day they’d need a fifth starter, so they could decide to go with someone like Juan Nicasio out of the bullpen until then. Or, if they place someone on the disabled list, Taillon could come up sooner and fill that final rotation spot.
Either way, I’d expect Taillon back as soon as he’s able to return. The team needed short-term bullpen help, and in the long run, they might only miss one start from Taillon at the big league level by doing this, and they might not even miss that.
