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Taillon's Rough Start Sparks Rotation Shakeup as O'Hearn Grand Slam

7/27/2026

45 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Taillon Trouble

Jameson Taillon surrendered seven runs on three home runs in an 8–7 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates, putting his rotation role in doubt.
He has allowed 25 home runs (tied for second-most in MLB) and posted an 8.90 ERA in his last seven starts.
Pitching coach Tommy Hottovy blamed poor command, prompting GM Jed Hoyer to consider replacements such as Javier Assad or Edward Cabrera before the Aug. 3 deadline.

Summary

O'Hearn Grand Slam

Ryan O'Hearn hit a 406-foot grand slam on July 26, 2026, giving the Pirates a 7-1 lead over the Cubs.
The slam marked O'Hearn’s fourth career grand slam, his second this season, and tied his career high of 17 homers.
The 8-7 victory kept Pittsburgh (54-52) near the NL Central’s third wild-card spot.
Rookie catcher Shawn Ross recorded his first MLB hit, a two-run homer, in his second game.

History

Historical Context

After the Red Sox traded shortstop Nomar Garciaparra on July 31 2004, Theo Epstein’s roster shake-up sparked a 22-of-25 win streak that carried Boston to the AL wild-card and a World Series that ended an 86-year championship drought. The move illustrates how mid-season overhauls, now echoed by Pittsburgh’s GM Jed Hoyer, can revive a struggling rotation.

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Taillon Trouble

Jameson Taillon surrendered seven runs on three home runs in an 8–7 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates, putting his rotation role in doubt.
He has allowed 25 home runs (tied for second-most in MLB) and posted an 8.90 ERA in his last seven starts.
Pitching coach Tommy Hottovy blamed poor command, prompting GM Jed Hoyer to consider replacements such as Javier Assad or Edward Cabrera before the Aug. 3 deadline.

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