Cancer survivors John Kruk, Mike Lowell offer Taillon support in fight

After undergoing surgery Monday morning for suspected testicular cancer, Jameson Taillon has a cast of MLB players offering their support that includes fellow cancer survivors John Kruk, Mike Lowell, as well as teammate Andrew Lambo.

Kruk, who played 1,200 games in the big leagues and has also worked as a baseball analyst for ESPN, told Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review that he was texting Colorado Rockies pitcher Chad Bettis - who is undergoing chemotherapy for testicular cancer - when he heard the news about Taillon.

Kruk was diagnosed with testicular cancer during spring training in 1994. The former Philadelphia Phillies legend, along with Mike Lowell, is mulling over a charity golf tournament to raise money and awareness.

Lowell spent parts of 13 seasons with the Yankees, Marlins, and Red Sox. The four-time All-Star was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1999 and missed two months of the season undergoing treatment.

Andrew Lambo, Taillon's former teammate, also spoke with Biertempfel about his past experience coming back from the same illness.

"It's all about the mindset," the current Oakland Athletics' minor leaguer said. "I know Jameson, so I know he's thinking, 'I'm going to kick this thing's ass and move on.' I know that kid's got a lot of heart and he's got a lot of brass. He's going to do it."

Lambo got to know Taillon while rehabbing back from his own cancer treatments in 2013. At the time, Taillon was also on the mend, rehabbing from Tommy John surgery.