Pirates Spring Preview: Can Jared Jones Keep Dazzling?

Jared Jones will look to continue his strong spring training for the Pittsburgh Pirates when they take on the Baltimore Orioles in Sarasota on Friday at 6:05 ET.

Jones has yet to be charged with an earned run through five appearances (two starts) during Grapefruit League action. In 11.1 innings pitched, Jones has limited opposing batters to a .132 batting average. He’s walked four, struck out 10 and has been charged with two unearned runs.

The Pirates say that Jones is in competition to earn a rotation spot on the major-league roster come opening day, and it’s not hard to see why. If Jones can continue to pitch the way he has, it will be hard to leave him behind when the club breaks for Miami for opening day on Thursday.

Behind Jones, Michael A. Taylor will get another start in center field as the Pirates look to catch him up to speed. It’s a lineup riddled with regulars.

Pittsburgh Pirates Lineup

1. Oneil Cruz SS
2. Bryan Reynolds LF
3. Ke’Bryan Hayes 3B
4. Jack Suwinski LF
5. Andrew McCutchen DH
6. Rowdy Tellez 1B
7. Henry Davis C
8. Michael A. Taylor CF
9. Jared Triolo 2B

The Pirates will again face right-hander Corbin Burnes. On the spring, Burnes has a 9.28 ERA through his four appearances. The Pirates scored three runs against him in 1.2 innings on Feb. 29.

PBN LINKS

Perrotto: Once-Promising Trade Keeps Getting Worse for Pirates

Pirates Option Nick Gonzales, Joshua Palacios

Reynolds, Triolo Homer in Pirates’ 3-2 Loss to Blue Jays

Dauri Moreta Undergoes Tommy John Surgery

AROUND THE NETWORK

Pittsburgh Hockey Now:

St. Ivany to Make NHL Debut; Ryan Graves Has Big News

Steelers Now: Re-Setting Steelers Needs after Two Weeks of Free Agency

Pittsburgh Sports Now: Inside the Dukes: Historic Season Continues

SUBSCRIBE TO PBN+

For full-access to Pittsburgh Baseball Now, CLICK HERE. *** You also get full Penguins and Steelers coverage with your subscription!