Analyzing Yankees starter Jameson Taillon’s long-awaited return to the mound

Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty ImagesSince his initial call-up to the big leagues in 2016, Jameson Taillon has been put through the ringer. A survivor of testicular cancer, two Tommy John surgeries, and a sports hernia, the former top prospect has been limited to a total of just 82 big league games. Having not pitched since 2019 — when his torn UCL required the second Tommy John — it would have been reasonable to expect some rust coming out of the gate.

Following 8.1 spring training innings in which he allowed a single run, Taillon kept the momentum rolling into his first Yankees start. Although he did get tagged for a pair of solo shots, his repertoire was otherwise sharp against the Orioles,…