Already Thin Cubs Rotation Takes Hit With Latest Injury Update
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July 4, 2025 became a historic afternoon for the Chicago Cubs organization.
The team slugged a franchise record eight home runs in its 11-3 win over the St. Louis Cardinals, giving the fans plenty of reason to celebrate Independence Day. The game did come at a cost, though, after some bad news surrounding Chicago's starting rotation.
Cubs' manager Craig Counsell announced that right-hander Jameson Taillon would miss over a month after suffering a strained calf during a bullpen session on Thursday.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - JUNE 29: Jameson Taillon #50 of the Chicago Cubs pitches in the third inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on June 29, 2025 in Houston, Texas.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - JUNE 29: Jameson Taillon #50 of the Chicago Cubs pitches in the third inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on June 29, 2025 in Houston, Texas.Taillon is 7-6 with a 4.44 ERA this season and had a rough month of June on the mound.
He made six starts, going 3-3 with a 5.57 ERA across 32 1/3 innings pitched. He allowed seven home runs, eight walks and struck out just 23 batters. It was by far the worst month of the season for Taillon and while his IL stint may be a good individual reset, it comes at an unfortunate time for Chicago.
The Cubs rotation as a whole struggled without its ace, Shota Imanaga. Imanaga returned to Chicago in late June and looked very good in his first two starts.
Now, just two weeks after Imanaga's return, the Cubs will be without one if its veteran arms for a large chunk of the remainder of the season.
'He's gonna miss a pretty significant amount of time.'
Craig Counsell said that Jameson Taillon sustained a calf strain during his bullpen yesterday. pic.twitter.com/2woHNNVJPc — Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) July 4, 2025
The absence of Taillon will presumably present an opportunity for current reliever Chris Flexen. It is expected that Flexen will join the Cubs rotation in Taillon's place and if it goes anything like his season is currently going, Chicago will be in great shape.
Flexen is 5-0 with a 0.62 ERA in 16 appearances and 29 innings pitched. He's been a huge reason for Chicago's success this season and will now get a chance to return to his normal starting pitching role.
If the trade deadline plays out the way team president Jed Hoyer has said it will, then Flexen will be moving back to the bullpen after Chicago makes a trade for a top-of-the-line starter.
The most important thing for the Cubs is that Taillon, a pitcher with postseason appearance, gets healthy for what appears will be Chicago's first trip to the postseason since 2020.
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