Jameson Taillon, who is one of the Pirates' two best prospects (along with Gerrit Cole), had his worst start of the season on Wednesday in the Bradenton Marauders' doubleheader against St. Lucie, allowing two home runs and six earned runs in 5.2 innings while striking out four.
↵Frankly, though, this isn't much to worry about, and it's worth pausing here to take stock of just how good Taillon has been. Through eight starts this season, he's pitched 42.1 innings, striking out 40 batters while walking nine. The two homers he allowed on Wednesday were his first two of the season. That's fantastic for a player who's still only 20 and facing much older hitters.
↵Of course, "fantastic" is merely what's expected for the second overall pick in the draft. (Taillon went one pick after Bryce Harper in 2010.) But in a season in which the Pirates' farm system has been somewhat disappointing, it's good to have a bit of appreciation for an important player whose season has gone according to plan.
↵For more on the Pirates, check out Bucs Dugout.