The Pittsburgh Pirates are off to a good start so far this season, with the starting rotation and some improved hitting playing major roles. However, there’s still one important piece of the rotation still to add, and that is starting pitcher Jared Jones. He was injured last season and given a 10-12 month recovery time, and with Jones placed on the 60-day to start the season, the earliest he could be back on May 25. According to reports, that looks like it still might be possible.
Jones was throwing heaters this past week, according to 93.7 The Fan, and according to Ben Cherington, Jones has also been doing some in-game situation sims, throwing in both Pittsburgh and back in Bradenton. Cherington called it an “extended Spring Training type game sim” and is expecting a more formalized rehab stint soon.
Jones had his surgery last May, and with him still targeting this May as a return date, we’re still squarely in the original timeline and will keep an eye on his official rehab assignment.
Jones went 6-8 in 2024, finishing with a 4.14 ERA, a 1.14 WHIP and 132 strikeouts in 121 innings pitched against 39 walks. The Pirates had high hopes for Jones, and it was a disappointing injury, but it will be nice to have him back into the mix with the team playing so well.
The only question left would be how does he fit into the rotation? The entire group is pitching well. It’s certainly not going to be in place of Paul Skenes or Mitch Keller. Original logic would say he jumps in for Carmen Mlodzinksi, but he’s off to a good start too. It’s possible that Jones becomes a sixth starter, fitting in where he can until he’s back to full game strength, but that’s an absolutely good problem to have.
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