Yankees News: Another relief injury, Jameson Taillon shows off the goods

New York Yankees, Jameson Taillon
Feb 24, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Jameson Taillon (50) throws a pitch during live batting practice during spring training workouts at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Yankees took on the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday, falling 4-0. While the offense struggled, striking out 12 times and recording just two hits, their pitching looked solid, aside from Justin Wilson, who was pulled from the game with an injury.

Another high leverage relief pitcher will now work his way back over the next few days, as he complained of tightness in his left shoulder. He will undergo an MRI on Tuesday, which will hopefully return negative.

Justin Wilson injury concerning for the Yankees:

“The way he described it, [he] was just having a hard time getting loose out there,” manager Aaron Boone said after a 4-0 loss to the Phillies at George M. Steinbrenner Field. “We’ll see what we have in the morning. … I think there’s a chance it might not be that big a deal.”

The Yankees are already without Zack Britton, so losing Wilson would be another significant blow to the bullpen. Wilson last featured in the MLB with New York Mets in 2020, posting a 3.66 ERA over 23 appearances. He earned 10.53 strikeouts per nine, with a focus on his fastball and cutter. He signed a two-year, $5.15 deal with the Yankees this offseason.

Jameson Taillon wheeling and dealing:

Jameson Taillon entered Monday’s contest, having pitched in three games, with a sample size of 5.4 innings. He hosted a 0.00 ERA, striking out nine batters and allowing four hits. In the loss, Taillon lasted 2.2 innings, giving up five hits and one run but showcasing his excellent fielding from the mound.

The former Pittsburgh Pirate threw out a batter on a bunt and barehanded another to record both outs. He picked up five strikeouts, showing he is nearing form for the start of the regular season on April 1. Taillon hasn’t pitched in nearly 2 years, with his last significant action coming in 2018. During that season, he earned a 3.20 ERA over 191 innings, tallying 14 wins. There’s no question he can be an adequate pitcher for New York, and they are expecting him to be an integral part of their starting rotation.