Pirates
Pirates Starter Jared Jones Has Grade 2 Lat Muscle Strain
PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates are going to be without the services of promising Jared Jones for a a few weeks.
Manager Derek Shelton revealed to members of the media on Friday that Jones has been diagnosed with a grade 2 right lat muscle strain. He won’t start throwing again for about two weeks.
Jones left his start on Wednesday against the St. Louis Cardinals after five innings and 78 pitches. The Pirates placed the right-hander on the 15-day injured list on Thursday.
The 22-year-old has made 16 starts with the Pirates this season, his first year in the big leagues. He holds a 5-6 record and a 3.56 ERA with 98 strikeouts in 91 innings pitched.
Among rookies, Jones is second in strikeouts and in quality starts with nine. He’s also tied for second in innings pitched and starts.
Jones has been a big reason as to why the Pirates have had one of the better starting rotations in baseball. Entering Friday’s action, the Pirates have the fifth-best ERA in baseball from their starting pitchers (3.57).
The Pirates could go one of several different ways to fill the void left by Jones’ injury. Luis Ortiz made one start last month and was used several times as a bulk reliever. Additionally, Quinn Prester and Marco Gonzales are both currently on rehab assignments with Triple-A Indianapolis.