Cubs' Jameson Taillon Likely to Miss at Least 1 Month with Calf Injury, Says Counsell

Chicago Cubs pitcher Jameson Taillon is expected to miss "more than a month" with a right calf strain, manager Craig Counsell told reporters on Friday.

"This was just unfortunately an injury during training. He was running, and felt the grab yesterday after his bullpen," Counsell said on Friday. "He's going to miss a pretty significant amount of time here."

Taillon most recently started against the Houston Astros last Sunday. He has recorded a 4.44 ERA through 17 starts and 95.1 innings pitched so far this season.

His performances have vacillated over his last eight starts. He recorded a 1.91 ERA through 33 innings while leading the Cubs to five straight wins before recording a 10.66 ERA in 12.1 innings of three consecutive losses.

Counsell's comments came shortly after the Cubs placed Taillon on the 15-day injured list retroactive to July 1.

Jordan Wicks, who has been pitching for Triple-A Iowa, was recalled in a corresponding move, but Counsell said the Cubs did not plan on immediately slotting him into the rotation in Taillon's place.

“He’s there to pitch in the bullpen. We’ll go from there,” Counsell said.

When asked if Chris Flexen could potentially replace Taillon instead, Counsell said, "Yeah, he is a candidate to be stretched out for sure. I think he is prepared at this point to do a little bit more... we're up to four innings with him, we're up to 60 pitches in a game, so he's capable of doing, at least further along than most guys."

Flexen served as a starter for the Chicago White Sox last season, but has found more success as a reliever with the Cubs this season.

Taillon's IL trip comes shortly after Shota Imanaga's return from a left hamstring strain. His return and the upcoming All-Star break could help the Cubs manage the rotation in Taillon's absence.

When asked if Taillon's injury would impact the Cubs' approach to the July 31 trade deadline, Counsell answered, "I'm focused on the next week or 10 games before the All-Star break."

The Cubs have yet to announce Taillon's replacement for Saturday's contest against the St. Louis Cardinals, which Counsell said would be a "bullpen game." Counsell indicated the club would announce a starter after the conclusion of Colin Rea's Friday start against the Cardinals.