Cubs designate clubhouse leader Jameson Taillon for assignment

ST. LOUIS — Putting sentiment aside, the Chicago Cubs designated Jameson Taillon for assignment on Monday, cutting loose one of the most respected players in their clubhouse as they continue reshaping their pitching staff.

The Cubs were already anticipating a roster crunch between additions at the Aug. 3 trade deadline and a group of pitchers expected to be activated off the injured list in the coming weeks.

Taillon’s rough start in Sunday’s 8-7 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates forced the issue. He gave up three more home runs at PNC Park, pushing his season ERA up to 5.92.

The Cubs called up right-handed pitcher Andrew Wantz from Triple-A Iowa as the corresponding roster move before Monday’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium.

Taillon was nearing the end of the four-year, $68 million contract he signed to help solidify Chicago’s rotation and provide a reliable presence for an organization that was trying to get back to the playoffs.

Taillon, 34, started two elimination games the Cubs won last October. Given his strong reputation as a positive clubhouse influence and the high demand for pitching, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him in a new uniform soon.