Cubs manager David Ross was noncommittal Wednesday when asked whether Taillon (groin) might be activated to start Thursday versus the Nationals, Joe Trezza of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ross ruled out the idea Monday, but that was before Taillon threw a successful 45-pitch simulated game Tuesday in Washington. "Oh, I don't know," the skipper said Wednesday at Nationals Park. "We'll see." Taillon, 31, has been on the injured list since April 20 because of a left groin strain.

Taillon (groin) threw a 45-pitch simulated game Tuesday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

It might have been the final step of side work for Taillon before he is cleared to embark on a minor-league rehab assignment, though there's also a chance that he is allowed to skip a rehab stint altogether. The 31-year-old right-hander landed on the injured list April 20 because of a left groin strain. Caleb Kilian filled his rotation spot last week before getting optioned back to Triple-A Iowa.

Taillon (groin) is scheduled to throw another bullpen session Tuesday, MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The upcoming side session marks Taillon's second since he was placed on the 15-day injured list April 20 with a left groin strain. Though the Cubs were initially optimistic that Taillon would be ready to come off the IL when first eligible -- which would have been Tuesday -- the right-hander instead looks like he'll remain on the shelf for another week. The Cubs turned to Caleb Kilian over the weekend to replace Taillon in the rotation, but because Kilian has since been optioned to Triple-A Iowa, the team will likely call up another pitcher to fill Taillon's next turn through the rotation, which comes up Thursday in Washington.

Taillon (groin) is throwing a bullpen session Saturday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

There is no public timetable yet, but Taillon continues to take positive steps forward and seems likely to be ready to return to the Cubs' active roster by the middle of May if he can avoid setbacks. The right-hander has been sidelined for a little under two weeks with a mild-to-moderate left groin strain. Caleb Kilian is filling his rotation spot Saturday at Miami.

Taillon (groin) will advance to long-toss throwing Thursday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Taillon is making steady progress in his recovery from a mild-to-moderate left groin strain and could return to the Cubs' starting rotation in early May if all continues to go well. The 31-year-old had a 4.50 ERA and 16:4 K:BB through 14 innings (three starts) for Chicago before he landed on the injured list April 20.

Taillon (groin) played catch again Wednesday, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Taillon already has multiple flat-ground throwing sessions under his belt and could perhaps soon advance to mound work. He landed on the 15-day injured list April 20 due to what's being called a mild-to-moderate left groin strain. If all continues to go well, the 31-year-old right-hander should be ready to rejoin the Cubs' rotation in the early part of May.

Taillon (groin) played a light game of catch Thursday and will do so again Friday, Ryan Herrera of AllCHGO.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Taillon landed on the injured list Thursday with a mild-to-moderate left groin strain. That he's already playing catch is a good sign and would seem to indicate he could return around the time he's first eligible.

Taillon was placed on the 15-day injured list Thursday with a left groin strain, Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Taillon was scheduled to start for the Cubs in Thursday night's series opener against the Dodgers, but he'll now miss at least two turns in the rotation. It's being called a "mild to moderate" groin strain, which indicates a return when eligible in early May could be possible. Javier Assad has been called up from Triple-A Iowa in a corresponding move and will serve as the spot starter Thursday versus Los Angeles.

Taillon pitched five scoreless innings against the Dodgers on Saturday, allowing two hits and two walks while striking out seven batters. He did not factor in the decision.

EDGE Analysis

Taillon recorded easily his best start of the campaign, as he allowed a combined seven earned runs over nine innings across his previous two outings. The right-hander held the Dodgers to just four baserunners on two singles and two walks, and he exited after five frames with a 1-0 lead. However, the Cubs offense couldn't produce any more runs, and Taillon had to settle for a no-decision when Los Angeles notched a walkoff win in the ninth. Nonetheless, this was a promising start for the veteran hurler, who now holds a 4.50 ERA across 14 innings on the campaign.

Taillon (0-2) allowed five runs (three earned) on six hits and a walk over five innings Sunday, striking out seven and taking a loss against the Rangers.

EDGE Analysis

Most of the damage against Taillon came during Texas' four-run second inning, though two were counted as unearned runs. He then gave up one more run in the fourth. Taillon forced just five whiffs but improved his season K:BB to 9:2 through nine frames. He's lined up for a road matchup with the Dodgers next weekend.