Jared Jones To Start For Pirates On Friday
MLB Trade Rumors • • sports
Key Points:
- Pirates right-hander Jared Jones will make his first big league start since 2024 on Friday, returning from a 60-day injured list stint after undergoing elbow surgery in May 2025; the team must add him to the 40-man and active rosters.
- Jones had a promising rookie season in 2024 with a 4.14 ERA and strong strikeout and walk rates, and has posted a 2.89 ERA with a 32.9% strikeout rate in five rehab starts this year.
- While Jones was sidelined, young pitchers Braxton Ashcraft and Bubba Chandler debuted in 2025, with Ashcraft showing impressive performance and Chandler being serviceable.
- The Pirates' rotation core now includes Jones, Paul Skenes, Ashcraft, Bubba Chandler, and Mitch Keller, supported by promising prospects and motivated by offseason moves to improve the team's offense.
- Carmen Mlodzinski will move to the bullpen after filling a rotation spot, where he has a solid 3.76 ERA and experience as both a starter and reliever, allowing for a smooth transition back to relief pitching.