Taillon tossed three scoreless innings in Saturday's Cactus League game against the Angels. He allowed one hit and struck out four.

EDGE Analysis

This was an improvement from Taillon's spring debut, when he allowed two runs on three hits across 1.2 innings of work. The Cactus League stats aren't particularly important for the righty, as he should be locked in as the Cubs' No. 2 starter after signing a four-year, $68 million contract in the offseason. Taillon will just want to get himself ready for the regular season, where he'll look to follow up the strong 3.91 ERA and 1.13 WHIP he posted across 177.1 innings with the Yankees in 2022.

Taillon changed the grip on his slider over the offseason, making the pitch more of a "sweeper," Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Last season, Taillon used his slider just under 19 percent of the time, making it his second-most popular pitch behind the fastball. The righty also mixed in a curve, a cutter, a sinker and a changeup, giving him a fairly deep arsenal. The Cubs liked what they saw, inking Taillon to a four-year, $68 million contract back in December. He figures to slot in as the No. 2 pitcher behind Marcus Stroman once the regular season gets underway.

Taillon agreed to a four-year, $68 million contract with the Cubs on Tuesday, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Taillon tied a career-high with 32 starts and covered 177.1 innings for the Yankees in 2022, and he'll now return to the NL Central and continue his career in Chicago. The 31-year-old had a 3.91 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 151:32 K:BB last season and should slot in behind Marcus Stroman in the Cubs' rotation.

Taillon did not factor in the decision during Game 1 of the ALCS after 4.1 innings of work, allowing one run on four hits and three walks in the 4-2 loss to the Astros.

EDGE Analysis

Taillon delivered a solid performance against the tough Astros lineup, but he was tagged for a two-out RBI double by Martin Maldonado in the bottom of the second to tie the game, 1-1. The 30-year-old righty fared much better than his relief performance in Game 2 of the ALDS, when he allowed two runs on three hits against the Guardians without recording an out; however, the lack of strikeouts is alarming for Taillon. He tallied 151 K's over 177.1 innings in the regular season but has yet to record a strikeout spanning 23 batters in the postseason.

Taillon will start Game 1 of the ALCS against the Astros on Wednesday, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Taillon was originally scheduled to start Game 5 of the ALDS, though after it was postponed by one day due to rain the Yankees instead opted to start Nestor Cortes. Taillon appeared out of the bullpen in Game 2 against the Guardians on Oct. 14, so he'll be on regular rest despite throwing only 18 pitches in his lone postseason appearance.

Taillon is no longer scheduled to start Game 5 of the NLDS against the Guardians after it was moved to Tuesday due to rain, but he'll start Game 1 of the NLCS should the Yankees advance, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Taillon had been expected to start Game 5 on Monday, but the delay allows the Yankees to turn to Nestor Cortes instead. Taillon will face a much tougher test in the loaded Astros lineup should the Yankees manage to beat the Guardians on Tuesday.

Taillon won't start Monday's Game 5 against Cleveland, as the game has been postponed due to rain.

EDGE Analysis

Taillon was slated to make his first start of the 2022 postseason, but with Game 5 now pushed to Tuesday, the Yankees may elect to roll with Nestor Cortes on three days of rest. Taillon would still be available to pitch out of the bullpen if called upon.

Manager Aaron Boone said Taillon will be a relief option in the ALDS against Cleveland, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Scheduled off-days will allow the Yankees to use a three-man rotation on normal rest through Game 4 of the divisional series. Given the team's lack of bullpen depth, Taillon could be a prime candidate for middle-innings work, especially if any of the three starters fails to pitch deep into his game. The righty, who posted a 3.91 ERA and 151:32 K:BB in 177.1 innings this season, has never appeared out of the bullpen in six years of MLB action.

Taillon didn't factor into the decision in the first game of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Rangers, giving up four runs on seven hits and two walks over six innings. He struck out five.

EDGE Analysis

The 30-year-old exited the game after 97 pitches (62 strikes) and in line for his sixth loss, but the Yankees rallied to get him off the hook. Taillon posted a 3.68 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 34:8 K:BB through 36.2 innings in September/October, giving him plenty of momentum headed into the playoffs.

Taillon (14-5) picked up the win in Tuesday's 5-2 victory over the Blue Jays, giving up two runs on seven hits over 7.1 innings. He struck out six without walking a batter.

EDGE Analysis

George Springer led off the game for the Jays with a solo shot, but Taillon buckled down after that and didn't even allow a runner to get into scoring position until the sixth inning. He fired 62 of 94 pitches for strikes en route to his second straight quality start and his seventh in 12 outings since the All-Star break, a stretch during which he sports a 3.69 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 62:15 K:BB through 68.1 innings.