Jameson Taillon Injury Update: Cubs Make Announcement During Giants Game
The Chicago Cubs injury-riddled pitching staff took another hit on "Sunday Night Baseball" against the San Francisco Giants.
Starting pitcher Jameson Taillon was removed from the game in the second inning after walking the leadoff batter. He had allowed a run in the first before signaling for the Cubs' trainer following the free pass in the second.
The Cubs say that the pitcher left his start with a strained left hamstring.
Jameson Taillon left the game with a left hamstring strain, per the team.
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) June 8, 2026
The 34-year-old has struggled for Chicago this season, posting a 5.19 ERA with 59 strikeouts, 23 walks and five losses in 67 1/3 innings over 13 starts. This season is a far cry from the veteran pitcher's usual solid play, as he has held a career ERA under four throughout his 10 seasons in the big leagues.
28-year-old Javier Assad came in to relieve the injured Taillon. According to Jesse Rogers of ESPN, Assad was recalled on Saturday for a "just-in-case" scenario this weekend, and unfortunately that scenario became a reality with the injury.
Assad has been up and down between the minor leagues and major leagues this season. He has primarily played the role of a bulk reliever for the Cubs this season after struggling in three starts to open the season. In his 28 innings this season, he has put up a 5.46 ERA with just 16 strikeouts.
At this point in the season, the Cubs nearly have an entire starting pitching rotation on the injured list. Matthew Boyd is currently on the 15-day injured list with a left meniscus injury, he is expected to return in mid-June. Justin Steele has a left elbow flexor strain, he will not be available until the second half of this season. 2025 rookie breakout pitcher Cade Horton has a damaged UCL and will be out for the remainder of the season.
Now with the injury to Taillon, the Cubs pitching depth will be spread completely thin. For a team that has struggled in the past couple of weeks, another hit to their rotation was the last news they needed.
The Cubs have already been linked to numerous starting pitchers to acquire at the trade deadline. Their lineup has continued to be one of the best forces in baseball, holding a team OPS of .723. Pairing this lineup with another starter, or two following Boyd's return, the Cubs could get back into the true World Series contenders conversation.
There will likely be more to come on Taillon's injury in the coming days, including whether or not he will have to miss time on the injured list.
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This story was originally published June 7, 2026 at 7:02 PM.