The Chicago Cubs are optimistic about their starting staff as they look towards the future. With a mostly intact rotation for next season, the team believes they have a strong foundation to build a playoff-contending roster.
On Friday, right-hander Jameson Taillon delivered an impressive performance, pitching six shutout innings in a 3-1 victory over the Washington Nationals. Taillon’s stellar September continued as he recorded his 15th quality start of the year, supported by Dansby Swanson’s solo home run in the first inning.
Taillon struck out four batters and allowed only two hits during his outing, bringing his ERA down to 1.08 through four starts in September. Overall this season, Taillon has maintained a 3.41 ERA, which is his lowest since his standout showing for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2018 when he had a 3.20 ERA.
The Cubs’ rotation has been solid throughout the season thanks to pitchers like Taillon, Shota Imanaga, Justin Steele, and Javier Assad. Together, they have contributed to a team ERA of 3.81 so far this year, ranking them third in the National League. All four of these pitchers will remain under team control next season while younger arms provide depth behind them.
Swanson’s home run came off Trevor Williams, who was previously with the Cubs before returning from an injury and pitching five solid innings for the Nationals. In the seventh inning, Mike Tauchman sealed Chicago’s victory with a two-run single off reliever Eduardo Salazar.
the Cubs are hopeful that their strong starting staff will continue to be an asset as they work towards constructing a playoff-caliber team.
