Taillon (elbow) signed a one-year, $2.25 million contract with the Pirates on Wednesday to avoid arbitration, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 29-year-old sat out the entirety of the 2020 campaign while recovering from Tommy John surgery, so he agreed to the same $2.25 million figure from last year. Taillon underwent the procedure in August 2019 and was throwing live batting practice during the 2020 campaign, so he should be ready for the start of spring training in February. He last had a full season of work in 2018 with a 3.20 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 179:46 K:BB over 191 innings.

Taillon (elbow) threw 25 pitches at the Pirates' alternate training site Wednesday, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Taillon isn't expected to return to game action before the 2021 season as he continues to recover from his second Tommy John surgery. The right-hander has appeared to shorten his arm action recently, creating optimism that he could still pitch for the Pirates following his return to full health.

Taillon (elbow) will throw live batting practice Wednesday at the alternate site in Altoona, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Former Pirates beat writer Travis Sawchik, now of FiveThirtyEight, retweeted a video that Taillon posted, noting that he has shortened his arm action, similar to what Lucas Giolito and many Cleveland pitchers have done in recent years. This may provide optimism that Taillon can be the rare pitcher who successfully recovers from two Tommy John surgeries. He is not expected back until the 2021 season.

Taillon (elbow), who will not pitch in the majors in 2020, will attend camp in Pittsburgh as part of his rehabilitation, DK Pittsburgh Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

He'll take the spot of Edgar Santana, who was suspended for 80 games due to PED usage. The move will allow Taillon to continue working with the medical staff in Pittsburgh. In an effort to better maintain his health following a second Tommy John surgery, the righty has made several mechanical adjustments. He's shortened his arm action in his throwing motion and is keeping the ball closer to his body, moves intended to put less stress on his arm and elbow.

Taillon (elbow) completed a bullpen session at PNC Park on Tuesday, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Now 10 months into his recovery from his second Tommy John surgery, Taillon looks to be progressing as expected now that he's taken another important step forward by getting back on the mound. The right-hander has already been ruled out for the 2020 season, but he'll likely to continue to stick around in Pittsburgh to have his rehab program monitored by the Pirates' medical staff. Taillon could be cleared to face hitters before the season ends, which would bode well for his chances of entering spring training without any major restrictions.

Taillon (elbow) indicated Thursday via his personal Twitter account that he's resumed throwing off flat ground four time per week.

EDGE Analysis

Taillon is just under eight months removed from the second Tommy John surgery of his career and appears to have avoided any setbacks thus far in his rehab program. He should be able to get back on the mound and face hitters before the season ends, but the Pirates have already determined that he won't pitch in any games in 2020.

Taillon (elbow) resumed throwing this week after taking the first of two scheduled breaks in his program, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Apparently Taillon is getting after it again after a built-in break in his throwing progression. The Pirates are understandably taking it slow with the right-hander given that he's coming back from his second Tommy John surgery. A 2020 return has already been ruled out and Taillon will face limitations in 2021 as well, assuming he's even ready by then. The book is still very much open for Taillon, but history has generally not been kind to two-time TJ recipients.

Taillon (elbow) will not return in 2020 even if the season is considerably delayed, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

Taillon underwent Tommy John surgery back in August and has been throwing for over two months. A typical recovery timeline for that procedure would rule him out for over a year. It's conceivable he could be ready to pitch if the schedule were extended deep into the fall, but the Pirates have already ruled out such plans. Taillon can remain completely off single-season draft boards.

Taillon (elbow) has been throwing from 120 feet, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

Taillon is slowly working his way back from Tommy John surgery in August. A typical recovery timeline in a typical season would rule him out for the entirety of the campaign. Even if the schedule ends up being extended late into fall, his odds of appearing still seem quite slim.

The Pirates placed Taillon (elbow) on the 60-day injured list Thursday, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Taillon went under the knife last August for the second Tommy John surgery of his career, so the Pirates aren't counting on him to contribute at any point in 2020. His move to the 60-day IL is merely procedural, as it frees up a 40-man roster spot for newly signed outfielder Jarrod Dyson.