50 Jameson Taillon SP

Taillon will get a second opinion on his elbow next week, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic reports.

An MRI revealed that Taillon's surgically-repaired UCL remains intact, but he was designated with a flexor strain and won't throw for at least four weeks. His absence could be even longer if he receives bad news from Dr. David Altchek, who performed Taillon's Tommy John surgery back in 2014.

Taillon (elbow) won't throw for at least four weeks, Nubyjas Wilborn of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Taillon was diagnosed with a flexor strain and placed on the 10-day injured list Saturday. His absence won't be a short one, as he'll still need to build his arm strength back up following the shutdown period. He appears to be looking at a mid-June return at the absolute earliest. The Pirates have yet to announce who will take his spot in the rotation.

Taillon was placed on the 10-day injured list with a right elbow flexor strain Saturday.

The severity of the issue and Taillon's expected return date are not yet clear. Tyler Lyons' contract was selected in a corresponding move, though the Pirates have yet to indicate who will take Taillon's spot in the rotation.

Taillon (2-3) allowed four runs (three earned) on five hits with five strikeouts and two walks across 6.1 innings in a victory against the Rangers on Wednesday.

He allowed his seventh unearned run in the last five starts and gave up two homers for the first time in a start this year, but Taillon earned a much needed victory. Taillon has been a bit disappointing to open the year, going 2-3 with a 4.10 ERA and 30 strikeouts in 37.1 innings through seven starts. However, his 1.13 WHIP and .231 batting average against are probably better indicators of how well he's thrown the ball this year. He is scheduled to face the Rangers again in his next start at home next Wednesday.

Taillon (1-3) allowed five runs on six hits with five strikeouts and no walks across five innings in a loss to the Diamondbacks on Thursday.

The right-hander struggled right at the start of the game, giving up two runs in the first inning. He faced the minimum in the second and third, but again Taillon ran into trouble during the fourth and fifth frames. It's been a disappointing April for Taillon, who was expected to become a true ace in 2019. He is 1-3 with a 4.06 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 25 strikeouts in 31 innings this season. His next scheduled start is on the road against the Rangers on Wednesday.