Pirates' Taillon faces Reds vying for ace role

The Pittsburgh Pirates, like other teams realistically out of contention for a playoff spot, are looking to the future. That doesn't just mean having a look at young call-ups this month.

There is a burgeoning competition in the rotation, one that isn't much more than a mythical designation at this point, but one that has been illustrated by two eye-popping stretches.

Right-hander Jameson Taillon, who is scheduled to face the Cincinnati Reds Wednesday in the finale of a three-game series at PNC Park, has made 17 straight starts allowing three runs or fewer, dating to May 27.

Taillon (11-9, 3.45 ERA) has competition for Pirates staff ace from right-hander Trevor Williams, who has a 0.66 ERA in…