PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Jared Jones was noticeable in his first Pirates starts, a couple of buttons on the jersey undone and blowing away hitters with a high 90s fastball. Now as he works back from Tommy John surgery after missing 2025, good news from the Bucs pitching coach.
“He looked amazing in the bullpen (Tuesday),” said first-year Pirates pitching coach Bill Murphy. “Just seeing how he recovers and take the next step from there. It’s exciting to watch him here in PNC Park.”
Jones missed all of last season after the injury was discovered in training camp. In his rookie season in 2024, he was a big part of the rotation and it started early. Then 22, Jones struck out 10 in 5.2 innings in his MLB debut in Miami. By the end of his first five starts, the 6’ Jones had 39 strikeouts in 29 innings. In 22 starts, 6-8 record, 4.14 ERA, 121.2 innings, 39 walks, 139 strikeouts and a 1.19 WHIP.
“Getting a feel for what his stuff looks like and how his body is responding,” Murphy said. “All indications are he is feeling great and his stuff is in a really nice place.”
Intensity is part of Jones’ persona and it’s not just on the mound during starts. A few of his teammates were watching his bullpen session Tuesday and it’s been reported he even cracked a smile.
“He’s ready to go,” Murphy said. “We all know Jared. He wants to compete. He’s ready to go and that’s cool, but there is a process and he needs to keep building and we are pumped he’s feeling so great.”
Jones started the season on the 60-day injured list meaning the earliest he could return is late May. While the Pirates won’t set a target date, you know that is it for Jones.
So far so good, if he’s not ready, it won’t be for a lack of work.
Starter on 60-day injured list & in Pittsburgh as next part of rehab
Starter on 60-day injured list & in Pittsburgh as next part of rehab
