Here are the fantasy repercussions following the Pittsburgh Pirates' decision to call up prized pitching prospect Jameson Taillon:
Daily Fantasy
Anyone who tuned into the 2013 World Baseball Classic round-robin matchup between Team Canada and Team USA is fully aware that Taillon (pronounced TIE'-awn) has the stuff to make big league hitters look silly.
Taking the hill for Canada, Taillon threw four innings (he was on a pitch count of 65) allowing one earned run, striking out three and walking one against a USA lineup filled with former All-Stars and potential Hall-of-Famers.
Taillon was taken second overall behind Bryce Harper back in the 2010 draft. Until this season, he hadn't pitched in the minors since 2013. He underwent Tommy John surgery, followed by a sports hernia injury that set him back.
Pitching in Triple-A this season, the big right-hander's stuff was on full display. The 24-year-old has a free and easy delivery with a fastball that hovers in the mid-90s, but can reach the upper-90s when he needs to rear back. He also has exceptional command of his heater for such a young pitcher and compliments it with a devastating overhand breaking ball.
Even though he will oppose RHP Noah Syndergaard, Taillon is worthy of a tournament flier when he starts against the Mets on Wednesday. New York ranks 29th in the majors with a team batting average of .232.
Season-Long Fantasy
Fantasy players who stashed Pittsburgh's No. 1 pitching prospect, Tyler Glasnow, must be disappointed Taillon was called up first. That said, Taillon has clearly earned his shot to pitch in the big leagues.
Taillon baffled Triple-A hitters this season. In 61 2/3 innings, he had 61 strikeouts compared to just six walks, with an ERA of 2.04, a WHIP of 0.811 and surrendered just 44 hits - two of which left the yard.
If you have someone on your current fantasy roster that you're comfortable parting ways with, add Taillon immediately. If he shows he can handle big league hitters in his first start, he will likely be a mainstay in the Bucs' rotation. Mediocre veterans Juan Nicasio, Jon Niese and Jeff Locke have held the team afloat, but provide little upside compared to Taillon.
