Taillon (1-3) allowed five runs on six hits with five strikeouts and no walks across five innings in a loss to the Diamondbacks on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander struggled right at the start of the game, giving up two runs in the first inning. He faced the minimum in the second and third, but again Taillon ran into trouble during the fourth and fifth frames. It's been a disappointing April for Taillon, who was expected to become a true ace in 2019. He is 1-3 with a 4.06 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 25 strikeouts in 31 innings this season. His next scheduled start is on the road against the Rangers on Wednesday.

Taillon (1-2) picked up the win in Saturday's 3-1 rain-shortened victory over the Giants, giving up one run on four hits and a walk over five innings while striking out three.

EDGE Analysis

Inclement weather caused the game to be called after five full innings, putting Taillon's win in the books. The right-hander threw 56 of 79 pitches for strikes in the strong effort, and he'll carry a 3.12 ERA and 20:6 K:BB through 26 innings into his next outing Thursday, at home against Arizona.

Taillon allowed three runs in six innings Sunday. He gave up seven hits and one walk, striking out four.

EDGE Analysis

He's yet to record a win after four starts, but he's thrown fairly well with a 3.43 ERA and 1.14 WHIP in 21 innings. Taillon has already permitted more unearned runs (six) than in his entire career (five) prior to 2019. Accordingly, team defense is a sticking point and doesn't figure to improve any time soon. Taillon threw only 80 pitches Sunday. The team could have limited his work due the batted ball he took to the head in Chicago on Monday. There was no postgame report of injury, however. He's set to face the Giants at PNC Park on Saturday.

Taillon (head) threw from flat ground Wednesday and is on track to start Sunday against the Nationals, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Taillon was struck on the head by an Anthony Rizzo line drive during his most recent start, but he's shown no signs of a concussion and remains on track to make his next start on schedule. Through three starts this season, the right-hander owns a 3.00 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 13:4 K:BB in 15 innings.

Taillon was examined by a doctor after exiting Monday's game against the Cubs. The right-hander checked out normal but will be reevaluated Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Taillon was hit on the head by an Anthony Rizzo liner during the second inning Monday, and while he was initially able to stay in the game and finish out the frame, the right-hander didn't make it back out for the third inning. A trio of errors by Kevin Newman led to an extended second inning for Taillon (during which the Cubs scored six unearned runs), which could have also factored into his removal. Assuming he checks out OK on Tuesday, Taillon should remain on track to make his next start Sunday against the Nationals.

Taillon allowed one run on three hits and no walks and struck out five across seven innings but settled for a no-decision against the Cardinals on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

The 27-year-old ran into trouble in the seventh during his Opening Day start, and once again, the one run he allowed -- a solo homer -- came in the seventh. Still, it should have been enough to win, but for the second straight game the Pirates bullpen blew a lead in the eighth inning. Taillon looks great, though, as he's really only pitched one bad frame through two starts. Overall, he is 0-1 with a 3.46 ERA, 0.85 WHIP and nine strikeouts in 13 innings this season.

Taillon allowed four runs on six hits, striking out four, in six-plus innings during a loss against the Reds on Opening Day.

EDGE Analysis

The 27-year-old deserved a better fate. He held the Reds to only one run through six innings, but in the seventh, Taillon couldn't record an out. After yielding a homer, walk and double to start the frame, the Pirates lifted him in favor of Rich Rodriguez, who tossed up a homer to the first batter he faced. Two of the runs scored on the home run were charged to Taillon. It was a disappointing final inning, but there's no reason to worry about Taillon after this lone start.

Taillon allowed four earned runs on eight hits in four innings Saturday. He struck out three batters without issuing a walk.

EDGE Analysis

Poor defense contributed to his lackluster final spring tuneup, but he hasn't been particularly sharp. The righty pitched in three simulated games before making his Grapefruit League debut. Since then, Taillon has thrown in three spring contests, compiling a 4.85 ERA in 13 innings. On the positive side, he's crafted an 11:0 K:BB. He's set to start Thursday on Opening Day against the Reds in Cincinnati

Taillon scattered four hits in five scoreless innings Sunday, allowing one unearned run. He struck out six without issuing a free pass.

EDGE Analysis

He's expected to pitch one more time before serving as Pittsburgh's Opening Day starter March 28 in Cincinnati. The 27-year-old is looking to post back-to-back healthy seasons for the first time -- he registered a 3.20 ERA and 1.18 WHIP in 191 innings (32 starts) last season. He also gave up three earned runs or less in each of his final 22 starts.

Taillon made his Grapefruit League debut Tuesday, allowing three earned runs on five hits (all doubles) and no walks in four innings. He struck out three batters.

EDGE Analysis

The righty has thrown three simulated games at Pirate City, refining a changeup for a possible fifth pitch. Taillon threw his changeup with only 4.6 percent of his pitches in 2018. "If it's one more pitch I can put in someone's head, that's extremely important," he said. "Might get some quick outs with it and be able to go deeper into games." He'll make two more spring starts before pitching Opening Day in Cincinnati on March 28.