Injured starter Jameson Taillon is expected to visit an elbow specialist in the near future to determine the severity of his ailment, Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider announced prior to Tuesday’s 4-2 victory over the Athletics.

Schneider told reporters, including Sportsnet’s Arden Zwelling, that Taillon is currently back in Toronto awaiting an appointment date with Dr. Meister, who’ll review the results of the right-hander’s recent MRI. The club sent him for imaging after he was placed on the 15-day IL with right elbow inflammation last Saturday in Kansas City.

Taillon departed his start against the Royals the day prior, leaving due to injury after throwing 29 pitches over two innings. In all likelihood, the soon-to-be free agent — in the final season of a four-year, $68 million contract — won’t pitch again this season.

Just two starts after being acquired from the Chicago Cubs, the veteran hurler landed on the shelf with right forearm tendinitis, sidelining him for multiple weeks prior to making his lone Triple-A rehab start before rejoining the Blue Jays’ rotation — albeit temporarily — at Kauffman Stadium.

Following Taillon’s most recent departure, he said the discomfort felt different compared to his previous IL stint, further clouding his availability for the rest of 2026. It’s worth noting that he’s already undergone Tommy John surgery twice, the first time in 2014 and the second in ’19.

Whether he’ll require a third career elbow surgery remains to be seen. However, it’s never usually an encouraging sign anytime you’re scheduled to visit a renowned specialist.

In three starts with the Blue Jays, Taillon has pitched to a 3.60 ERA and 5.59 FIP across 10 innings, issuing five walks and eight strikeouts. Overall, he owns an inflated 5.65 ERA and 6.59 FIP in 18 starts split between Chicago and Toronto this season, posting a career-low 11.9 per cent strikeout-minus-walk rate (K-BB%) over 86 innings, worth minus-1.1 fWAR — also a career-worst.

Some baseball traditions never get old. The Perfect 9 Collection is our newest limited-edition collaboration with Blue Jays Today, inspired by the viral 9/9/9 challenge that has become a staple of baseball culture. Whether you’re taking on the challenge or just enjoying a day at the ballpark, this collection celebrates the moments that make baseball unforgettable. Featuring premium Levelwear apparel with elevated fabrics and modern fits, it’s designed for fans who live and breathe the game—on game day and beyond. Limited edition. Premium quality. Built for baseball fans. Shop the Perfect 9 Collection while it lasts. Exclusively at nationgear.ca