Pirates pitcher Jared Jones returns to the Pirates rotation on Friday after spending over a year injured.
Jones will take the mound for the Pirates for the first time since September 27, 2024. He’ll face his former manager Derek Shelton and the Minnesota Twins.
Jones underwent surgery for a UCL sprain in his right elbow a year ago on May 21.
Jones pitched 18 2/3 innings during rehab starts in the minor leagues, striking out 24 batters and posting an ERA of 2.89.
To make room for Jones, Carmen Mlodzinski is being sent to the bullpen.
The move will hopefully bolster pen, which has been struggling over the past month or so.
Mlodzinski has a 4-3 record and 3.76 ERA with 46 strikeouts over 55 innings.
Jones went 6-8 in his rookie year, 2024, with 132 strikeouts, 39 walks and an ERA of 4.14 over 22 starts.
