Big relief for Yankees: Starter Jameson Taillon safe, x-ray rules out fracture

Wednesday August 31, 2022

ANAHEIM, Calif. — The New York Yankees and their fans have a sigh of relief on Wednesday after x-rays ruled out any forearm fracture to starter Jameson Taillon. The player had to exit Tuesday’s game against the Los Angeles Angels after two innings following a hit by Magneuris Sierra’s 91 mph liner.

Sierra hit Taillon’s 33rd pitch, a 94 mph fastball, toward the mound. Taillon tried to field the ball but it struck his right forearm raising the specter of an injury. As the ball slowed down for DJ LeMahieu, who threw to first for the third out, Taillon appeared to be writhing in pain. The righty was pulled out of the game amid speculations of an injury to his pitching hand.

However, the Yankees later announced that Taillon had only a right forearm contusion and there was no fracture.

Greg Weissert replaced Taillon in the third inning with the New York Yankees up 4-2. Max Stassi hit a two-run homer off Taillon before he left the 2-2 game. Taillon is 12-4 with a 3.97 ERA in 26 starts, allowing 22 homers.

Weissert pitched in 40 games for the Yankees’ Triple-A team and had a 1.76 ERA, 18 saves in 19 chances, and 67 strikeouts in 46 innings before making his MLB debut on Thursday. Weissert had two balks and a hit by pitch during the Yankees’ 13–4 victory over the A’s in Oakland.

On Sunday, when the Yankees lost 4-1 to the Athletics, Weissert had two clean innings in his second game.

There were speculations over Taillon’s injury on Tuesday, as the starting pitcher was seen shaking his right hand.

Aaron Judge’s three-run homer gave the Yankees a 7-2 lead over the Angels after Taillon’s exit.

Judge hit his 51st home run of the season the day after becoming the first player to hit 50 home runs this season. Judge is the only Yankee besides Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle to hit 50 home runs in more than one season.

When do you think Taillon can resume pitching? Will he be able to start the next Yankees game against the Rays? If not, who is going to be the starting pitcher for the New York team? Leave your comment below.