Jameson Taillon’s role in the Chicago Cubs’ rotation faces uncertainty after a challenging performance on Sunday. In a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park, Taillon, pitching in a familiar ballpark, struggled significantly. He allowed seven runs from three home runs, including a grand slam, resulting in an 8-7 loss.

The Cubs, now at 59-46, attempted to recover from the six-run deficit Taillon created. A brief lead in the second inning was lost, but efforts included a three-run fourth inning with Pete Crow-Armstrong’s RBI triple and three more runs in the final two innings. Despite these efforts, the team couldn’t close the gap.

Taillon admitted postgame that his confidence is low. “The results speak for themselves,” he stated. “I’m confident I can figure it out, but hurting the team is obviously not a good place to be.” Taillon has allowed 25 home runs this season, tying for second-most in MLB, in only 76 innings.

The uncertainty extends to whether he will make his next start, potentially on Friday against the New York Yankees. Cubs manager Craig Counsell commented, “We’ve got days to figure out what’s best for the staff. We need better than that despite a great bullpen and offense effort.” Although Counsell noted Taillon’s recent return from a seven-week hamstring injury, home run issues have been persistent, with homers allowed in 12 of 15 starts, eight of which included multiple homers.

Taillon recognizes a pattern: “Lefties have been crushing me,” he noted. “Even a couple righties got me today on backup cutters over the middle.” He added that better pitch placement might help, but improvements are needed.

Taillon is in the final season of a four-year, $68 million contract. His rotation position is at risk if he doesn’t improve quickly. With the Aug. 3 trade deadline approaching, the Cubs may explore the starting pitching market, aiming to acquire a pitcher reliable enough for postseason starts.

The Cubs’ pitching depth has been challenged with Cade Horton out for the season and Justin Steele not returning as a starter. Taillon’s next turn could go to right-hander Javier Assad, giving Taillon time to address issues in practice sessions, or using him in the bullpen to build confidence.

The Cubs might not replace Taillon immediately, with right-hander Edward Cabrera nearing a mid-August return from his hamstring strain. Pitching coach Tommy Hottovy pointed out Taillon’s struggles with command, creating unfavorable counts that require pitching into the strike zone.

Despite these struggles, Hottovy believes Taillon has the skills necessary. “It’s about execution and avoiding bad counts,” he explained. Taillon’s mechanics are solid, but mental focus on executing is crucial. He needs to stay in positive counts to be effective.

Taillon remains a valued figure in the Cubs’ clubhouse, noted for his leadership and accountability. Last year, he delivered crucial starts in playoff games. However, MLB is performance-oriented, and the Cubs might have to reassess Taillon’s contributions at 34 years old.

Taillon is aware of the stakes. “I feel pressure to do better, especially for myself, but I’m aware that I’ve been hurting the team,” he admitted. “So I’m not naive to that at all.”