Jameson Taillon retired 10 of the final 13 batters he faced.
But that was after he felt “mechanical,” which led to much of the damage he suffered Sunday in the second inning of the Cubs’ 8-2 loss to the Rangers.
“I felt a little robotic, not quite as aggressive,” Taillon said.
Although a few of the hits Taillon allowed weren’t hit hard, he felt that he didn’t pitch with much intent until the latter half of his five-inning stint.
“Hitters can feel when you’re a little timid,” said Taillon, who still managed to strike out seven.
Taillon (0-2) has walked two batters or fewer in 12 consecutive starts dating to Aug. 8, 2022, but he has allowed six hits or more in four straight starts dating to last season with the Yankees.
Morel on mission
Manager David Ross saw a dejected Christopher Morel after he was informed last month he wasn’t part of the Cubs’ opening day roster.
“But his words were, ‘I’ll keep working. I’ll be ready,’ Ross recalled Sunday. “So that’s exactly what we expect.”
Morel has responded to the demotion by hitting .367 (11-for-30) with seven RBIs and a .513 on-base percentage in eight games for Triple-A Iowa. Morel has settled in at third base after serving as a super utility player during his 2022 rookie season for the Cubs.
There currently isn’t a spot for Morel on the major league roster, but Ross said he’s received encouraging feedback from the Iowa coaching staff.
“I know he’ll help us out this year by a long stretch,” Ross said. “I don’t know what capacity that is. None of us can see the future, but I know he’ll help us out. The fact he’s swinging it well and has a lot of confidence bodes well for us.”
Slamming the brakes
Cubs reliever Michael Rucker is one of four relievers who haven’t allowed an inherited run to score while stranding at least five runners.
Rucker started his professional career as a starter for three seasons before converting to a reliever and fulfilling a variety of roles that he believes have enhanced his current knack for working out of jams.
“The more situations I can get in and prove I can complete and have success in those situations, the better for me and for us,” Rucker said.
The other relievers who haven’t allowed an inherited run to score while stranding five are Dauri Moreta of the Pirates, Drey Jameson of the Diamondbacks and Andrew Nardi of the Marlins.
Injury update
Kyle Hendricks (right shoulder strain) will throw a bullpen session Monday in Arizona. Left-handed reliever Brandon Hughes (left knee inflammation) will remain with Iowa on a rehab assignment through this week.