Cubs Place Jameson Taillon on IL, Recall Jordan Wicks
When Jordan Wicks was spotted at Wrigley Field prior to Friday’s game against the Cardinals, initial suspicions — and a few disingenuous “sourced” reports — were that he’d be replacing a member of the bullpen. The idea was that he’d be used to stretch out the rotation as the first half wraps up, and that’s partially true. Rather than giving Porter Hodge more time to recover and ramp, however, Wicks will be replacing an injured starter.
Cub fans:
Look who just arrived at Wrigley
Jordan Wicks!!@crawlyscubs @bleedcubbieblue@BleacherNation @leilarahimi pic.twitter.com/mlYeZ3gxuW— Sam Bernero (@sambernero) July 4, 2025
Jameson Taillon has been placed on the IL with a right calf strain. He last started on Sunday in Houston and was scheduled to face the Cardinals on Saturday, so Wicks should now get that nod. That will be the case for next Friday’s series opener against the Yankees, which would have been Taillon’s last start of the first half. Provided this isn’t a serious issue, the veteran righty should be back for the start of the second half.
Ed. note: Craig Counsell said Taillon will be out for a significant period of time, “more than a month.”
Wicks has been excellent since coming off his own IL stint, pitching 11 innings with two earned runs allowed on seven hits while striking out 16 with two walks. The time off allowed him to clean up his mechanics and improve his command, something that had been lacking early in the season.
Whether this ends up being an audition for the Cubs rotation or teams looking to sell at the deadline, Wicks can be a solid replacement if he keeps pitching the way he has.
