Top Prospect Jameson Taillon Impressive in AA Debut

Pittsburgh Pirates pitching prospect Jameson Taillon made his level AA debut on Tuesday with the team’s affiliate in Altoona.

The 20-year-old threw five scoreless innings and struck out six while holding the New York Yankees‘ affiliate in Trenton to just four hits and no walks.

While some – including MLB.com – consider Taillon the team’s top prospect, many hold righty Gerrit Cole as the most highly regarded prospect in the organization. Both pitchers are now throwing in Altoona.

Taillon ended his single-A career with a 3.82 ERA in 23 starts (125.0 IP). He struck out 98 batters and walked 37 while recording a .230 opponent average and a 1.17 WHIP.

While the 6’6″ fireballing righty didn’t dominate A ball like most expected, it’s good to see Taillon off to a fantastic start in AA. He could be in the majors as a late-season call-up next year.

Cole, who has made 10 starts in Altoona already, has a 3.19 ERA and 52:13 K:BB ratio in 48 AA innings. He’s allowed 43 hits in that span and has a 1.17 WHIP.

MLB.com lists Taillon as the league’s fifth-ranked prospect while Cole checks in at number eight.

The Pirates’ big leaguers are in San Diego again tonight for the finale of a three-game set with the Padres. After dropping the first two games, the Bucs need to get back on track here and keep fighting for their playoff lives.

Game time is 6:35 p.m. James McDonald is scheduled to start for Pittsburgh.

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