Cubs Pitcher Jameson Taillon Struggles Continue in Dodgers Shellacking

Taillon's rough spring training outing raises concerns ahead of the regular season start.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 11:50pm

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Cubs right-hander Jameson Taillon had another disastrous spring training outing, giving up 10 runs to the Dodgers over 3 2/3 innings. Taillon has been plagued by walks, home runs, and an array of hits, posting a 22.18 ERA in 9 2/3 innings of work in Arizona. With the regular season starting in less than two weeks, the time for Taillon to use his mechanical tweaks as an excuse is running out.

Why it matters

Taillon's struggles are a major concern for the Cubs, as he is expected to be part of their starting rotation to begin the season. The team needs Taillon to find his form quickly, as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 campaign.

The details

Taillon's outing against the Dodgers was rough from the start, as he walked two batters and gave up an RBI single and a three-run homer in the first inning. The Dodgers scored in all four innings that Taillon pitched, with both of the home runs coming off his cutter. Taillon acknowledged that he is "all over the place" and needs to "be better" as the regular season approaches.

  • Taillon has been peppered for 23 hits including eight homers in 9 ⅔ innings of work for a 22.18 ERA in Arizona.
  • The regular season for the Cubs starts in less than two weeks.

The players

Jameson Taillon

A right-handed pitcher for the Chicago Cubs who is struggling with his performance in spring training, raising concerns about his readiness for the start of the regular season.

Mookie Betts

An outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers who hit a home run off of Taillon during the game.

Jack Suwinski

An outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers who hit a three-run home run off of Taillon during the game.

Matthew Boyd

The Cubs' Opening Day left-handed starting pitcher, who also struggled in a minor league game, giving up six runs (two earned) over 3 1/3 innings.

Craig Counsell

The manager of the Chicago Cubs, who missed two days of camp to attend his daughter's high school basketball championship game.

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What they’re saying

“It's also on me when you're in a game to go out and compete. Right now I'm not doing that, I'm kind of all over the place. Again, got to be better.”

— Jameson Taillon, Cubs Pitcher

“This tournament is for the experience for sure. Does it help you in the next experience? I'm not sure. I don't know if there is a right answer for that. The experience Daniel had [Saturday] night is a great experience. He's been in some pretty big moments but it's not the first one.”

— Craig Counsell, Cubs Manager

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Jameson Taillon's struggles this spring are a major concern for the Cubs as they prepare for the start of the regular season. With the season less than two weeks away, Taillon needs to find his form quickly to solidify his spot in the starting rotation and help the team bounce back from a disappointing 2025 campaign.