'There are better things to come:' Canada's Taillon upbeat during Tommy John rehab
Pirates pitcher, who will miss entire 2020 MLB season, wants to feel close to team
Jameson Taillon has plenty of experience when it comes to rehabbing from injuries.
The Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander has had two Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgeries during his professional career. He's also undergone surgeries to repair a sport hernia and remove cancerous tissue from his scrotum.
"I guess rehab is in my blood now," Taillon said.
Yet Taillon continues to be upbeat while the midst of his latest rehab. He underwent his latest Tommy John procedure in August that will cause him to miss the 2020 season.
"I'm not happy go lucky about this, just to be happy go lucky," Taillon said Saturday during the Pirates' annual fan festival at PNC Park. "I really believe I have more to give and more to accomplish in my career. That is why I stay upbeat. I know there are better things to come."
The 28-year-old Taillon, who pitched for Canada in the 2013 World Baseball Classic, began a throwing program Monday in his hometown of Houston, playing catch from 60 feet.
Tried to pitch through elbow pain
Born in Winter Haven, Fla., to Canadian parents and raised in Texas, Taillon holds dual citizenship.
Taillon was rewarded with his career first opening-day start last season and tried to pitch through elbow pain that got increasing worse. He went on the injured list following what turned out to be his last start of the season May 1 against the Texas Rangers.
We missed him on the mound obviously, but we also missed him in the clubhouse.— Pirates right-hander Joe Musgrove on fellow pitcher Jameson Taillon
Now he won't pitch again until 2021.
Taillon spent much of last summer attempting to rehab the injury and avoid surgery before being shut down. He finished the year 2-3 with a 4.10 ERA in seven starts.
Won't be a stranger
Fellow right-hander Joe Musgrove said the Pirates greatly missed Taillon last season. Pittsburgh went on to finish in last place in the NL Central for the first time since 2010.
Though Taillon will do most of his rehab at the Pirates' spring training facility in Bradenton, Fla., during the season, he plans to keep in close contact with his teammates.
Taillon will join the team when the Pirates play games in or near Florida and likely switch his rehab to Pittsburgh in June when he is expected to be cleared to throw off a mound. He will also receive the scouting reports on opposing hitters prior to each series from new pitching coach Oscar Marin.
"I want to stay involved as much as I can," Taillon said. "We're coming up with some creative ways so I can still be part of the team, even when I am in Florida. It's good to know I'll still be part of things."