Blue Jays pitcher Jameson Taillon to undergo elbow surgery next week
The Canadian right-hander, acquired at the trade deadline, will have a flexor repair and likely an internal brace procedure.
TORONTO — Jameson Taillon, the Canadian right-hander acquired by the Toronto Blue Jays in July, will undergo elbow surgery next week.
The 34-year-old is scheduled for a flexor repair Monday, and said via text message Thursday that “there’s a good chance” Dr. Keith Meister “also does an internal brace of the ligament while in there.”
Taillon, who has already had two Tommy John surgeries, left his second start with the Blue Jays on Aug. 10 with elbow discomfort after four shutout innings against Boston.
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He returned Sept. 4 but lasted only two innings at Kansas City before the pain resurfaced.
“I could’ve tried some alternative methods and rest. But those are not close to guarantees, and it’s already been four weeks and it’s bothering me still,” said Taillon. “So I figured it’s worth just biting the bullet and getting fixed the right way not just putting a Band-Aid on it.”
A pending free agent, Taillon said his brief, successful stint in Toronto was a driving force in his decision to have the surgery.
“Having it taken away from me there at the end made me realize how badly I want to come back and keep going. Made my priorities and goals crystal clear,” he said.
With the Chicago Cubs before the trade, Taillon posted a 5.96 ERA and allowed 25 home runs in 76 innings.
In three outings with the Blue Jays, he allowed four runs over 10 innings with eight strikeouts, making adjustments to his delivery and pitch mix.
His injury was among several that depleted the Blue Jays' rotation during their unsuccessful late push for a wild-card spot.
Taillon, born in Florida and raised in Texas by Canadian parents, said he “loved every minute of being in Toronto,” reconnecting with his roots.
“Going to the Blue Jays was so refreshing and the pitching department had such exciting plans for my pitch usage and mechanical adjustments. I wish I could’ve been healthy and rewarded them for taking a shot on me,” said Taillon. “Really hurts me I couldn’t help more down the stretch.”
He said he plans to use his rehabilitation to overhaul his mechanics.
“I think it’s a great opportunity to bet on myself, go all in on myself, do the hard work and see what happens. I know I have good years ahead if health co-operates,” he said.
Taillon, the second-overall pick in the 2010 draft, has a career 3.99 ERA over 10 major league seasons.
The Blue Jays finished 79-83 and in last place in the American League East this season, with general manager Ross Atkins taking responsibility for the performance.
With files from Sportsnet