The Pittsburgh Pirates have made a major decision on starting pitcher Jared Jones.
Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Jared Jones will make his season debut on Friday against the Minnesota Twins. Jones was once a top prospect in the Pirates system, but hasn't pitched in the big leagues since September of 2024 due to injuries.
Jones underwent an internal brace surgery to repair his UCL rather than undergoing Tommy John surgery.
The 24-year-old started in 22 games, finishing with a 6-8 record, a 4.14 ERA, 1.192 WHIP, and 132 strikeouts.
Jones made five rehab starts in 2026 across A, AA, and AAA, holding a 0-1 record with a 2.89 ERA, 1.018 WHIP, and 24 strikeouts in 18.2 innings.
With Jones back in the rotation, Pittsburgh's pitching gets even more impressive. They have one of the best pitchers in baseball in reigning Cy Young award winner, Paul Skenes.
Skenes has had a couple of rough starts in 2026, but has still been impressive, as he has a 6-4 record with a 3.00 ERA, 0.817 WHIP, and 65 strikeouts in 60 innings.
They also have Mitch Keller, Braxton Ashcraft, Bubba Chandler, and Carmen Mlodzinski.
Mlodzinski has been solid, but he is now moving to the bullpen with Jones' return. Mlodzinski has appeared in 11 games, starting in nine, and holds a 4-3 record with a 3.76 ERA, 1.418 WHIP, and 46 strikeouts.
Mlodzinski going to the bullpen will help the Pirates in relief, particularly in a bulk role.
They have an extremely talented pitching staff, which could be the best in baseball if everyone plays to their potential, helping the Pirates make it to the postseason for the first time since the 2015 season.
Pittsburgh currently holds a 29-27 record, and they are in fifth place in the NL Central. Despite being in last place in the division, they are only 5.5 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers for first place.
The Pirates are also only one game behind the St. Louis Cardinals for the final Wild Card spot.
With Jones back healthy, Pittsburgh's pitching only gets better, and they will hope he lives up to his former high prospect status as the team makes a playoff push.
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