Jared Jones Undergoes Surgery, Won’t Pitch for Pirates in 2025

PITTSBURGH — Jared Jones will have surgery on his right forearm/elbow complex on Tuesday, according to Pittsburgh Pirates senior director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk.

“Jared Jones saw Dr. Keith Meister yesterday. After a lot of contemplation, a lot of learning from multiple experts in and outside the industry, ultimately Jared and his team and the support of the Pirates decided to proceed with the surgery, surgery to the right elbow/forearm complex. That surgery is happening today.

“Out of fairness to Jared and his team, we will learn of the details and the specifics of the surgery, ultimately the prognosis and the time frame for return.”

Though no initial timetable was given, Jones will miss at least the rest of the 2025 season.

Jones started the season on the injured list due to a right elbow UCL sprain but opted to try and rehab the injury instead of surgery.

The right-hander went to Dr. Meister for a second opinion after feeling something when throwing on flat ground from 100 feet. Jones began a throwing program in late April.

It’s a significant blow to the Pirates, who could be without Jones’ services well beyond the end of the 2025 season once further information is learned.

Jones burst onto the scene last season after cracking the club’s Opening Day roster out of spring training. The right-hander finished his rookie season 6-8 with a 4.14 ERA and 132 strikeouts in 121.2 innings.

He totaled 22 starts on the year and missed nearly eight weeks from early July to late August due to a right lat strain.

Jones was drafted by the Pirates in the second round of the 2020 draft and emerged as one of the organization’s top prospects prior to reaching the majors.

Valdez Also Out for Season

Jones isn’t the only Pirate who will miss the remainder of the 2025 season.

Infielder Enmanuel Valdez underwent surgery (superior labrum anterior to posterior repair) on his dislocated left shoulder and is out of the year. The estimated return to full competition is six months.

Valdez was acquired from the Red Sox in the offseason for minor-league pitcher Joe Vogatsky. In 31 games for the Pirates this season, Valdez hit .209 with a .657 OPS, four doubles, two triples, two home runs and 12 RBI.

Additional Pirates Injury Updates

• RHP Justin Lawrence (right elbow inflammation) received a PRP injection, which comes with three weeks of rest and rehab.
• RHP Colin Holderman (right thumb inflammation) officially has right thumb tenosynovitis, which is “very debilitating for anybody that has a career in gripping and throwing a baseball,” per Tomczyk. He’s going to be seen by Dr. Don Sheridan in Arizona next week.
• INF Nick Gonzales (non-displaced left ankle fracture) was hit by a pitch in his right hand during his rehab assignment with Triple-A Indianapolis. X-rays were negative and the Pirates will reassess his game readiness on Thursday.
• LHP Hunter Barco left his last start with Indianapolis due to a mild muscle strain in his left shoulder. He’s resumed throwing and is out to 120 feet.