Pittsburgh Pirates right-handed pitcher Jared Jones will make his first MLB start since 2024 on Friday night [1].
The return of Jones provides a significant boost to the Pirates' rotation as the team integrates a key arm back into the lineup. His absence has left a gap in the pitching staff that the organization has worked to fill during his lengthy rehabilitation.
Jones is scheduled to start at PNC Park against the Minnesota Twins [2]. This appearance marks the culmination of a rigorous recovery process following InternalBrace surgery on his right elbow [3].
The pitcher has spent 53 weeks in recovery to ensure the stability of his arm before returning to professional competition [3]. Because the surgery is a specialized procedure designed to reinforce the ligament, the timeline for his return was carefully monitored by the medical staff.
This Friday night matchup serves as the first competitive test for Jones since his last appearance in 2024 [1]. The Pirates' coaching staff will likely monitor his pitch count and velocity closely during the game to gauge his current form.
Jones' return comes at a critical juncture for the Pirates as they navigate their current season schedule. The addition of a right-handed starter helps balance the rotation, and reduces the burden on the bullpen during home series. The team will look to Jones to provide stability and depth as they face the Twins in Pittsburgh [2].
“Jared Jones will make his first MLB start since 2024 on Friday night.”
The return of Jared Jones is a test of the InternalBrace surgical procedure's efficacy in returning high-velocity pitchers to the mound. If Jones maintains his previous performance levels, it validates the 53-week recovery timeline and provides the Pirates with a reclaimed asset for their rotation without the need for a trade-market acquisition.
