Jared Jones Progressing Well From Elbow Surgery: ‘Feel We’re on Track’

Photo provided by Eddie Provident

PITTSBURGH — Jared Jones was back at PNC Park this week.

No, he’s not yet ready to join the starting rotation once again, but Jones threw a bullpen prior to Tuesday’s game against the Washington Nationals.

Jones underwent internal brace surgery last May and has been on the mend every since. After getting back to Pittsburgh and being around his teammates, his looming return is starting to sink in.

“It’s starting to feel more real,” Jones explained. “Getting out of Florida out at the complex, been there for a little bit too long. But being around the guys, being around a winning team, seeing all the vibes we got going on here, it’s fun to be around.”

After being back with the Pirates in Pittsburgh for a few days, Jones will return to Florida for some live bullpens before eventually starting a rehab assignment with the Bradenton Marauders. The expectation right now is that he will return to the Pirates at the end of next month or in early June.

“I feel we’re on track,” Jones said. “I feel like I can pitch today if they needed me, but you know, the six-day [schedule] doesn’t allow that.”

While Jones is still ramping up physically as he inches nearer to getting back to game competition, he hasn’t lost the edge he pitched with as a rookie.

New pitching coach Bill Murphy got a first-hand look at Jones’ competitiveness in the bullpen on Tuesday afternoon.

“I think me and Bill are still figuring each other out,” Jones said with a smirk. “I had a few choice words for a couple pitches I threw yesterday and it kind of looked like he saw a ghost.”

Jones has not pitched for the Pirates since 2024, when he went 6-8 with a 4.14 ERA in 22 starts as a rookie. That year, the Pirates ended the season 10 games under .500 and in last place in the National League Central.

This year, however, the Pirates are performing at a much higher level and have expectations as a potential playoff team. Although Jones is still waiting to contribute, he enjoyed his couple days back in Pittsburgh and has been impressed with what he’s seen.

“We’re a winning baseball team,” he said. “Guys are hitting balls all over the yard and we’re throwing the ball well. It’s fun to be here. It’s fun to watch. I’m sure the guys that have been here the entire year feel the same way.”

Although a lot can change between now and when he returns, the Pirates could face a potentially interesting decision on what to do with Jones once he gets reinstated from the injured list.

The Pirates’ starting rotation comprised of Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller, Braxton Ashcraft, Bubba Chandler and Carmen Mlodzinski ranks fourth in baseball with a 3.06 ERA.

But for now, that’s a problem for another day.

“I’m sure we’ll get into that over the next month how we see how he’s progressing and working his way back,” said manager Don Kelly.

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