Home MLB Taillon’s Redemption Rocket Fuels Cubs’ Playoff Surge – Braves Face Chicago’s Ruthless Ace in Do-or-Die Showdown.

Taillon’s Redemption Rocket Fuels Cubs’ Playoff Surge – Braves Face Chicago’s Ruthless Ace in Do-or-Die Showdown.

MLB · September 10, 2025 · Comments off
Deadspin | Cubs, Jameson Taillon seek playoff momentum vs. BravesAug 24, 2025; Anaheim, California, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jameson Taillon (50) throws a pitch against the Los Angeles Angels during the first inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

The Chicago Cubs hope the return of Jameson Taillon can help solidify their playoff position when the right-hander opposes the Atlanta Braves in the rubber game of the teams’ three-game series.

Chicago (82-63) ended its three-game losing streak by beating the Braves 6-1 on Tuesday and holds a six-game lead in the NL wild card race. Atlanta (65-80) has lost three of its past four games.

A victory would give Chicago its first season-series win over Atlanta since 2017.

Taillon (9-6, 4.15 ERA) will face off against Atlanta ace Chris Sale (5-4, 2.38) in the series finale.

Taillon was placed on the injured list with a groin strain suffered on Aug. 24 against the Los Angeles Angels. It was the latest setback for Taillon, who spent time on the injured list in July with a calf strain.

“We were able to get some great treatment on it, trust the trainers on what they wanted to do,” Taillon said. “It felt like, after five or six days, we knocked all the soreness out of there. We were able to have a consistent, good program. So it doesn’t really feel like I even missed that much time.”

Taillon has made four career starts against the Braves, going 1-1 with a 2.86 ERA.

 

Sale, the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner, missed 62 games with a fractured left ribcage that kept him out from June 19 to Aug. 30.

In his most recent outing on Friday against Seattle, Sale threw 6 2/3 innings and allowed one run on four hits with nine strikeouts for a no-decision in a 4-1 Braves victory. In two starts since returning from the injured list, the left-hander has a 1.42 ERA over 12 2/3 innings.

As Sale’s season went, so did that of the Braves, who will miss the postseason after seven consecutive appearances.

“I came in and I was sitting at my locker like, ‘What if I didn’t get hurt? What if I was able to stay upright this whole year?’ It’s a tough game to play,” Sale said. “I’ve done it a lot in my career with injuries. I’ve beat myself up plenty of nights over stuff like that. Again, it’s just one of those weird things where — especially that injury, it wasn’t for lack of effort or not being able to handle whatever it is. It was just a freak thing on a hustle play.”

Sale has made six career appearances against the Cubs, four of them starts, going 3-1 with a 0.93 ERA. Sale has struck out 41 hitters and walked only six in 29 innings against the Cubs. He has not faced Chicago this season.

The Cubs placed outfielder Kyle Tucker on the injured list with a right calf injury. He appeared to be ready to return to the lineup but expressed discomfort while going through some pregame drills on Tuesday. Catcher Moises Ballesteros was recalled to replace him on the roster.

“I was hoping to feel good today and coming in and hopefully getting in there,” Tucker said. “But obviously, it didn’t really work out like that, so that part is kind of frustrating. I’ve just got to take care of it for now and get back whenever I can.”

-Field Level Media

XuanTan

Related Posts
MLB

Trade Report: A bold trade prediction is making waves in Atlanta. The Braves are projected to part with a $7 million fan favorite and a top prospect in exchange for a $131 million veteran from the Blue Jays — a move that could dramatically reshape their championship window, but not without serious risk.

· January 25, 2026 · Comments off

Braves Miss Out on Freddy Peralta, Could Jose Berrios Be the Next Pivot? The Atlanta Braves entered the offseason with a clear objective: add a proven starting…

MLB

💥 LEGENDARY COMPASSION: Dodgers icon Sandy Koufax has stunned the baseball world by auctioning off a seven point five million dollar Hall of Fame artifact to raise critical funds for the homeless community in Los Angeles, creating one of the most heartfelt moments the sport has seen in decades. Insiders say the gesture reflects a lifetime of humility and character that defined Koufax long before Cooperstown enshrined him. The emotional impact of his decision is spreading rapidly as fans celebrate a legend whose greatness now extends far beyond the mound. A powerful chapter of generosity and legacy is unfolding across Los Angeles👇👇👇

· January 25, 2026 · Comments off

  The baseball world was stunned by a decision that left Los Angeles speechless with emotion. Sandy Koufax, the immortal legend of the Dodgers and a rare…

MLB

UPDATE: The Twins have made changes to the bullpen, but the picture is still incomplete. Despite recent updates and adjustments, Minnesota’s relief corps continues to raise questions — and the missing pieces could once again define how far this team can realistically go.

· January 25, 2026 · Comments off

Taylor Rogers Is a Step Forward, but the Twins’ Bullpen Still Needs Real Answers For much of the offseason, the Minnesota Twins bullpen has felt less like…

MLB

Speculation surrounding Pete Alonso and the Orioles highlights the growing expectations in Baltimore. As the organization continues to lean into the “New Oriole Way,” any discussion of a potential pursuit raises deeper questions about philosophy, timing, and how aggressive this front office is prepared to be moving forward. 👇 Orioles Nation, is this the kind of move you want to see?

· January 25, 2026 · Comments off

“You’ll Find Out”: Pete Alonso Teases the ‘New Oriole Way’ as Baltimore Looks Toward Opening Day 2026 With exactly 60 days remaining until Orioles Opening Day, the…

MLB

❤️ EMOTIONAL TRIBUTE: John W. Henry has made an extraordinary and deeply heartfelt decision to provide lifetime healthcare for Red Sox legend Jim Rice, a gesture insiders say stands among the most meaningful acts of gratitude in franchise history. The announcement has reignited powerful memories of Rice’s iconic presence, leadership, and the unwavering toughness that helped define Boston baseball for an entire generation. Across MLB, executives, players, and fans alike are moved by the magnitude of Henry’s commitment and what it symbolizes for the sport. A monumental chapter of loyalty and legacy is now being written into the heart of Red Sox history👇👇👇

· January 25, 2026 · Comments off

In a truly groundbreaking and emotional announcement, Boston Red Sox principal owner John W. Henry has committed to providing lifetime healthcare coverage for the franchise’s most beloved living legends,…

MLB

Logan Webb Shares Why Teaming Up With Aaron Judge Has Him Fired Up

· January 25, 2026 · Comments off

IMAGE: San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Logan Webb (62) throws against the Colorado Rockies in the fifth inning at Oracle Park. / Eakin Howard / Imagn Images…