Pirates

Pirates Preview: Jared Jones Makes MLB Debut

Published

2 months ago

March 30, 2024

Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Jared Jones throws during the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays Tuesday, March 5, 2024, in Bradenton, Fla. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

The Pittsburgh Pirates (2-0) were victorious over the Miami Marlins (0-2) for the second time in as many days to start the season. It’s the first time since 2018 the Pirates have started the year 2-0.

Ryder Ryan earned his first big-league win and Josh Fleming recorded a three-inning save for the Pirates in their 7-2 win over the Marlins on Friday night.

As the Pirates look to make it three in a row to start the season, prospect Jared Jones will make his much-anticipated major-league debut in Miami on Saturday afternoon.

Saturday’s first pitch is set for 4:10 ET and the game will be televised on SportsNet Pittsburgh.

Weather

The Marlins’ home ballpark is covered by a roof, so weather won’t be a factor for this four-game series.

The Pittsburgh Pirates Will Send Out RHP Jared Jones

Jones earned a spot in the Pirates’ rotation after a nearly-flawless spring training. The right-hander was not charged with an earned run across 16.1 innings and limited opponents to a .167 batting average. He struck out 15 batters and walked eight.

The Pirates selected Jones in the second round of the 2020 MLB draft. In his minor-league career, Jones is 13-22 with a 4.31 ERA and has struck out 391 batters in 315 innings.

Last season between Double-A Altoona and Triple-A Indianapolis, the 22-year-old posted a 3.85 ERA and struck out 146 batters in 126.1 innings across 26 appearances/25 starts.

The Miami Marlins Will Send Out LHP Ryan Weathers

Weathers is in his first full-season with the Marlins after he was acquired from the San Diego Padres at last year’s trade deadline.

The left-hander had a solid spring, finishing Grapefruit League play at 2-0 with a 3.00 ERA across five appearances/four starts. Weathers put up an impressive 21:4 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

In his time between the Marlins and Padres last season, Weathers went 1-8 with a 6.55 ERA in 15 appearances. He only struck out 43 batters and walked 29.

Marlins Hitters vs. Jones

Pirates Hitters vs. Weathers

Connor Joe: 4 for 6, two home runs, three RBIs, one walk
Jack Suwinski: 0 for 3, one strikeout
Jared Triolo: 0 for 3, two strikeouts
Bryan Reynolds: 2 for 2, two doubles, one RBI

Tidbits

The Pirates’ defense has turned at least three double plays in each of the first two games of the 2024 season, marking the first time since at least 1900 that the Pirates have turned three or more double plays in each of the first two games of a season.
Ke’Bryan Hayes made two errors in Friday’s game. It’s the second time in his career he had a two-error game. The other came on July 23, 2022 — which was also against the Miami Marlins.
Josh Fleming’s save on Friday was the second of his career. His first came on Aug. 22, 2021 while with the Tampa Bay Rays. That one also was a three-inning save.