50 Jameson Taillon SP

Taillon (2-1) allowed five earned runs on four hits while walking two and striking out three across 1.2 innings to take the loss Thursday against the Phillies.

The Phillies jumped on Taillon in the second inning as Rhys Hoskins started the trouble with a solo home run. Later in the inning, Cesar Hernandez hitting a single with the bases loaded to drive in three more runs. While Thursday's start was not his finest effort, Taillon had been off to a strong start this season. For now, there's little reason to believe this is more than one bad performance.

Taillon allowed four hits while walking three and striking out two across six scoreless innings Saturday against the Marlins. He did not factor into the decision.

Taillon continued his run of early-season success with his second scoreless outing in three starts. He had only two strikeouts Saturday, but did manage to generate 13 groundballs compared to just three flyballs. After recording nine strikeouts in his first start, Taillon has just nine over his past two starts combined. However, his ratios remain excellent thanks to his ability to keep batted balls on the ground.

Taillon (2-0) allowed only one hit while walking two and striking out seven in a complete game shutout to earn the win against the Reds on Sunday.

Taillon allowed his only hit of the game to opposing pitcher Tyler Mahle in the top of the third inning. While he relied on strikeouts in his first outing, Taillon turned more to his usual profile of generating groundballs by inducing 11 on Sunday. Regardless of how he gets the job done, Taillon has gotten off to a great start for the season, working 14.1 innings while striking out 16, walking just two and allowing only two earned runs.

Taillon (1-0) gave up two runs on four hits and struck out nine batters over 5.1 innings in Monday's winning effort against the Twins.

Taillon was dialed in from the start in his first game of the season, as he allowed just two batters to get on base over his first five innings of work. Although he gave up two runs in the sixth inning, one of which came from a home run hit by Brian Dozier, he made an impressive season debut. The righty showed tremendous control, throwing 61 of his 91 pitches for strikes while fanning nine batters and not surrendering any walks. Taillon will look to capitalize on his strong start when he returns to the mound Sunday against the Reds.

Taillon threw three shutout innings Tuesday against the Phillies, striking out four while allowing two hits and no walks.

He registered a 2.13 ERA in 12.2 Grapefruit League innings. More importantly, he's healthy after missing two months in 2017 battling testicular cancer. Ivan Nova will start the opener Thursday in Detroit, but there's little doubt the organization is looking toward Taillon as its ace. The 26-year-old has totaled only 237.2 career innings due to medical issues, but is poised for a breakout season -- if he can stay healthy.