Pittsburgh Pirates 24-year-old starting pitcher Jared Jones will be making his season debut against the Minnesota Twins on Friday. Taj Bradley, 25, is scheduled to take the mound against Jones. 

Jones has not pitched since Sept. 27, 2024 as he suffered a ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) sprain in his right elbow. The injury required internal brace surgery in May 2025. 

He recently pitched in an extended rehab assignment in order to build him up for a complete starting pitcher's workload. 

Following the final stages of his recovery, he is officially returning to the roster and starting rotation. Across five rehab starts, Jones sported a 2.89 ERA, with six walks and punched out 24 across 18 2/3 innings.

The impact of Jared Jones' return to the Pirates rotation

In order to make room for Jones, the Pirates are shifting Carmen Mlodzinski to the bullpen. This will help to solidify the bullpen with a bulk relief arm. 

Jones talked about how he's ready to get back on the mound after being sidelined for so long:

“Pretty damn excited," Jones said. “It’s been a really long time since I touched a Major League mound. I can’t wait. It’s probably going to feel like my debut or the home opener in 2024.”

His return offers enhanced pitching depth as well as a significant rotation boost. Following his lengthy recovery from elbow surgery, his robust arsenal will help to stabilize the rotation. 

His arsenal consists of a high-velocity fastball and dominant slider that should provide them with a critical boost. 

His fastball reaches an electrifying triple-digit 100-plus mph velocity, demonstrating the high-upside strength that he will bring at a critical point in the season.