Jameson Taillon Scratched from First Spring Start Following Apparent Injury in Warmup

Jameson Taillon was scratched from what was supposed to be his first spring start of the spring with an apparent injury. Though the Cubs have not yet released any information, a video taken by Al Yellon of Bleed Cubbie Blue shows Taillon landing awkwardly and pointing to his lower back during his pregame bullpen. The righty then had assistance leaving the bullpen, which isn’t a great sign.

Taillon was already being eased along due to calf soreness and a mechanical tweak, so his readiness for the start of the regular season could be in jeopardy if this is anything more than very minor. Let’s hope this is just a case of exercising caution in order to keep a mild back spasm from blowing up into anything larger.

How closely do you think Jordan Montgomery is monitoring this development?

Update: The Cubs have confirmed that it’s lower back tightness and that no imaging is scheduled. They should share more on Sunday.

Update 2: Craig Counsell said on Sunday that Taillon’s back has not improved as they’d hoped, so he’ll undergo some more testing. Though the Cubs aren’t concerned about a “long-term absence,” Taillon being ready for the start of the season is most certainly in jeopardy.