Jared Jones to Miss Final Spring Start With Injury

Just over a week before Opening Day, the Pittsburgh Pirates find themselves dealing with an injury scare.

Starting pitcher Jared Jones will miss his final spring start after experiencing elbow discomfort following his last bullpen session, manager Derek Shelton told reporters, including Alex Stump of MLB.com.

Though the Pirates are still awaiting additional information, any time missed for Jones would be a serious blow to the team’s starting rotation.

The 23-year-old made his major-league debut last season after breaking spring training with a spot in the rotation. It was a solid rookie season for the right-hander, who finished 6-8 with a 4.14 ERA and 132 strikeouts in 121.2 innings.

This spring, Jones totaled 12 innings and allowed three runs on eight hits with six walks, 17 strikeouts, and a .190 opponent’s batting average across four starts.

Entering the 2025 season, the starting rotation looks to be the key strength for the Pirates. In addition to Jared Jones, the rotation is projected to be comprised of reigning National League Rookie of the Year Paul Skenes, right-hander Mitch Keller and lefties Andrew Heaney and Bailey Falter. Johan Oviedo could join the rotation again after he’s activated from the 60-day injured list.

If Jones’ elbow issue lands him on the injured list, the Pirates have several prospects in upper-levels of the minor leagues who could take his place.

Bubba Chandler is considered the organization’s top prospect and shined in seven starts with Triple-A Indianapolis last season. Fellow right-hander Thomas Harrington has had a good spring so far. Additionally, Carmen Mlodzinski and Caleb Ferguson have been stretched out this spring as potential starters.