Taillon resumes light workouts after testing positive for testicular cancer

Jameson Taillon has made his first step toward returning to the mound after surgery last Monday and a pathology test that followed revealed he had testicular cancer.

Head athletic trainer Todd Tomczyk told reporters prior to the Pirates' game Wednesday against the Nationals at PNC Park that Taillon resumed light baseball activities Monday, including playing catch and light cardiovascular workouts, and he is scheduled to be examined by doctors and surgeons next week.



Taillon, who was placed on the 10-day disabled list on May 6 with groin discomfort, underwent surgery at Allegheny General Hospital after consulting with Dr. John C. Lyne, M.D. According to Tomczyk, the club plans for the right-handed pitcher to rejoin the Pirates if the examination goes well, though there is no timeline for his return to the mound.

"It's still to be determined," Tomczyk said when asked what the process is following the exam. "What's important for me with Jameson is he's back with his teammates. He's back in that clubhouse. He got to see his teammates the past two days. You can just see the joy in these guys' eyes. 'Man, it's awesome to see Jamo,' and reciprocally when Jamo saw these guys.

"It energizes everybody. I'm getting goosebumps even talking about it right now.

Taillon was 2-1 with a 3.31 ERA and 1.33 WHIP in six starts with the Pirates this season. Prior to his start against the Reds, he pitched five shutout innings at Miami on April 28 and allowed four runs at PNC Park against the Yankees on April 22.

The 25-year-old 18 games for the Pirates in 2016, finishing with a 5-4 record. Prior to that, though, the former No. 2 overall draft pick had a difficult time getting on the pitching mound.

Taillon missed the 2014 season following Tommy John surgery and then missed all of 2015 with linger effects of that surgery. He then underwent surgery for a sports hernia. He finally reached the major leagues last June and went 5-4 with a 3.38 ERA and 85 strikeouts against 17 walks in 104 innings.