PITTSBURGH — The pathology report for Pirates right-handed pitcher Jameson Taillon following his surgical procedure last Monday has revealed that the 24-year-old had testicular cancer, team Head Athletic Trainer Todd Tomczyk said Wednesday afternoon.
Taillon, who had surgery performed by Dr. John Lyne last week, will be re-evaluated next week. The Pirates do not have a timeframe for him to return to action. He has begun to play catch and perform light cardiovascular activities.
“After he gets examined next week, our hope is that he re-joins the team,” Tomczyk said.
Taillon last pitched on May 3. He has a 3.31 ERA in six appearances this season.
** Outfielder Gregory Polanco was placed on the 10-day disabled list with a left hamstring strain. Polanco injured himself running to first base on Sunday against the Arizona Diamondbacks, was removed from the game and did not play on Tuesday.
Tomczyk said Polanco will be shut down for two days before resuming physical activity and a Day 11 return to action is possible. Manager Clint Hurdle said a quick, but fully healthy return will be the best thing for Polanco, who may have been turning a corner at the plate when he was injured.
“He’s walked out in a good place,” Hurdle said. “He’s back in right field. He’s comfortable there. He’s running the bases with strength and he was taking some ownership in the batter’s box for an extended period of time.”
Polanco had gone 5 for 14 (.357) with three RBIs in his last four games before the injury.
** Left-handed pitcher Antonio Bastardo has been throwing off a mound at Pirate City. He’s in his sixth day of the mound progression with positive reports and has also been doing sprinting drills as he returns from a left quad strain.
