The New York Yankees rotation could use some good news. It is still virtually the same as last season, with Gerrit Cole and a plethora of question marks. At this point, the only real difference is that Corey Kluber has joined the Rays.
That good news will not be coming from Jameson Taillon. He stated that he is approximately a month behind in what would have been a normal offseason as he does not expect to begin playing catch until mid to late January.
New York Yankees may not have Jameson Taillon for Opening Day
Should spring training and Opening Day occur on time, that would leave Taillon back in Florida as he continues to get back into shape. He had undergone surgery for a torn longus tendon in his right ankle, a rare injury for pitchers, and one that has left his general rehab timeline up in the air.
As such, that could mean that it takes more than one month for Taillon to come back. His doctor even said that he and the Yankees are the pitching experts and would have a better sense of when Taillon would be ready for the next steps. However, due to the lockout, the two sides cannot have any contact with each other, even during his recovery and rehab process.
This makes a focus on the rotation all the more important. While the top arms in free agency are off the table, it is possible that the Yankees look to make a trade. Sean Manaea has been mentioned as a possible target once the A’s begin their fire sale when the lockout comes to an end and would certainly be the arm that they need.
Even then, Taillon’s recovery will be a focal point of the Yankees’ plans. He will be needed to slot into the middle of the rotation, an arm with the potential to be an ace caliber pitcher if he can stay healthy. However, at this point, that is not anything that can be counted on.
Jameson Taillon may not be ready for Opening Day if the season starts on time. The New York Yankees rotation has another question mark.