Pirates promote former first-round pick Jameson Taillon
By Matt Shetler
Former Pittsburgh Pirates first-round pick Jameson Taillon used a strong July to earn himself a promotion to Double-A Altoona, the team announced Friday.
Taillon, who was selected No. 2 overall in the 2010 MLB Draft got off to a good start to the season, but struggled throughout May (4.94 ERA) and June (5.86), but has rebounded very nicely in July, posting a 2.98 ERA in 57.1 innings over his last ten starts. In his last four starts he has given up only three runs in 22 innings. On the season, Taillon had a 3.82 ERA in 125 innings with Bradenton, making 23 starts. He’s struck out 98 and walked 37 for Bradenton and opposing batters were hitting just .230 (5th in FSL) against him.
He entered the season ranked the No. 2 pitching prospect in the Pirates organization and now catches up to last season’s No. 1 overall pick Gerrit Cole, who was promoted to Double-A earlier in the season, where he’s made eight starts so far, posing a 3-5 record and 3.19 ERA.
The Curve now have one of the richest starting rotations in minor league baseball as Taillon ($6.5 million bonus) and Cole ($8 million bonus) account for $14.5 million.
Success at the Double-A level could earn Taillon a look in Pittsburgh sometime possibly late next season or possibly 2014.
The 20-year-old Taillon is expected to make his first start with the Curve on Tuesday.