PITTSBURGH — The Pirates have dealt with their share of adversity thus far in the young 2017 season.
They’ve lost Jung Ho Kang and Starling Marte to off-the-field issues. On the field, the injuries have continued to mount, with Antonio Bastardo, Francisco Cervelli, Adam Frazier, and David Freese all missing time.
The latest blow came on Saturday, when right-handed starter Jameson Taillon was suddenly placed on the disabled list with a groin strain. The nature of the loss — Taillon had been one of the team’s best pitchers with a 3.31 ERA — and the unexpected nature — he had finished his previous start seemingly without issue — made the news feel like even more of a gut-punch to the Pirates’ chances this season.