Cubs Send Taillon to IL, Call Up Relievers as Rotation Woes Continue

The Chicago Cubs placed right-hander Jameson Taillon on the 15-day injured list with a left hamstring strain, retroactive to June 8. The move comes as the team continues to struggle with injury and consistency in the starting rotation. To fill the void, Chicago promoted relievers Tyler Ferguson and Ethan Roberts from Triple-A Iowa. Trent Thornton was placed on the paternity list, and outfielder Matt Shaw was activated from the 10-day IL while Kevin Alcántara was optioned back to Iowa.

Manager Craig Counsell confirmed that Taillon has a moderate hamstring strain and will miss more than a month, likely sidelining him beyond the All-Star Break. Taillon has posted a 5.19 ERA in 67 2/3 innings this season, falling short of the impact expected from a veteran starter.

With Taillon out, the Cubs will rely on Colin Rea, Shota Imanaga, and Edward Cabrera for the upcoming series against the Colorado Rockies. The team has not yet outlined plans for the weekend series in San Francisco. Matthew Boyd made a rehab start for Iowa on Saturday, throwing five innings and 80 pitches. He is expected to return from meniscus surgery during the Giants series, with Boyd and Ben Brown likely to start the first two games.

Ben Brown has been the lone bright spot in the Cubs’ rotation this season. Since taking over the starting role in early May, Brown has posted a 1.44 ERA with a 29% strikeout rate over six starts. He has also maintained strong control, consistently working through lineups. By comparison, Rea, Imanaga, and Cabrera have combined to allow 32 home runs, the most in the majors.

The Cubs are unlikely to make major trades before the deadline, according to President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer. While the team has not ruled out moving Rea back into a swing role, they are expected to keep Boyd, Cabrera, and Imanaga in the rotation for now. Depth options Jordan Wicks and Doug Nikhazy have struggled in Triple-A, raising questions about their readiness for a return.

Meanwhile, the Cubs added left-hander Antoine Kelly to the 40-man roster after acquiring him from the Dodgers in a cash deal. Kelly was optioned to Triple-A and has yet to reach the majors, though the move suggests he triggered an upward mobility clause in his minor league contract.

The Cubs will look to shore up their rotation as they prepare for a tough stretch against the Rockies and Giants. The next step for Taillon will be a rehab assignment, which could begin in mid-July. The team’s ability to remain competitive will depend heavily on the health and performance of its pitching staff moving forward.