Pirates Provide Update After Jared Jones’ Surgery

PITTSBURGH — Jared Jones underwent right elbow surgery performed in Dallas, Texas, performed by Dr. Keith Meister on Wednesday. He’s projected to return to full competition in 10-12 months.

The procedure performed was a repair to the UCL. Jones has missed the season after being placed on the injured list with a UCL sprain out of spring training.

“Yeah, really tough losing him, obviously, for this year,” manager Don Kelly said following the Pirates’ 3-1 win over the Reds on Wednesday. “But you feel for him, going through it… know that he’s going to dominate his rehab, and I haven’t got to talk to him yet, but I will this evening. He’s a worker too, so looking forward to having him back whenever he’s healthy.”

Jones made 22 starts for the Pirates in his rookie season in 2024. He finished the year 6-8 with a 4.14 ERA and 132 strikeouts in 121.2 innings.

But Jones generated buzz last season as one of two hard-throwing rookie right-handers in the rotation along with Skenes, who was crowned the National League Rookie of the Year.

Jones was off to a particularly strong start to the season before suffering a lat injury in early July. Through his first 16 starts, the right-hander posted a 3.56 ERA and struck out 98 batters in 91 innings. After returning from the injured list, he had a 5.87 ERA over his final six starts to end the year.

Though he won’t pitch in 2025, getting Jones back at some point next season is a win for the Pirates.

“Obvisouly, Jared means a lot to all of us, the whole team and organization, but just know that he’s gonna be working hard and he’s gonna be back next year, said Kelly.

New Face in Pirates Rotation

The pass-the-baton approach will take on a bit of a different meaning on Thursday night at PNC Park.

Carmen Mlodzinski was originally scheduled to start in the series opener against the Milwaukee Brewers, but the Pirates optioned him to Triple-A Indianapolis on Wednesday.

To take his place in the starting rotation, the team recalled fellow right-hander Mike Burrows. The 25-year-old went 2-1 with a 2.51 ERA in eight appearances/seven starts to begin the season. In four starts this month, Burrows posted a 1.02 ERA (2er/17.2ip).

He’s hoping to continue the success the starting rotation has had, especially of late.

“When you see a good start you want to put up a good start and help the team out,” he said outside his locker in the Pirates’ clubhouse. “To see Heaney go out and give up one run today through five and get a win, that’s awesome. That’s the stuff you want to do the next day. When you see that stuff, you’re just trying to feed off it.”