Well, this is certainly a troubling update out of Cubs camp as right-handed starting pitcher Jameson Taillon was scratched minutes before he was supposed to make his spring training debut on Saturday against the Colorado Rockies.

The veteran right-hander still had not appeared in a Cactus League game two weeks into spring training, but was finally scheduled to make his debut after working on mechanical adjustments. Taillon had been taking it slow in camp after experiencing soreness in his calves.

As of now the Cubs have not publicly said why Taillon was a last-minute scratch on Saturday. He remains the only starting pitcher on the team to not pitch in a spring training game so far.

Taillon signed a four-year, $64 million deal last offseason. In his first year with the Cubs, Taillon struggled in the first half, but from July through the end of the season he posted a 3.57 ERA in 16 starts. Unfortunately, it looks like he won’t be able to continue his strong second half from 2023.

We’ll see just how serious whatever the issue is with Taillon, but seeing that he’s already a couple weeks behind in spring training doubts are beginning to creep in on whether the righty will be ready for the start of the regular season.

It will be rather interesting if the Cubs give Scott Boras a call about Jordan Montgomery, who has been the free agent starting pitcher most linked to the team this offseason and as recent as the last few days.

We’ll keep you updated on Taillon’s status, but this isn’t looking promising.

UPDATE