Jared Jones reflects on recovery, dominates in rehab start for Curve

ALTOONA, Pa. (WTAJ) – It’s been a long road to recovery for Jared Jones to return to the Pittsburgh Pirates. He hasn’t pitched for the team since 2024 due to elbow surgery, which kept him out all of last year.

“It’s been a long time, really just grateful to take the mound every fifth, sixth, seventh day or whatever I want right now,” Jones said. “It’s been a lot of fun getting back out there.”

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As he continues rehabbing, his journey back to the big leagues is taking a pit stop in Altoona. In Tuesday’s game, Jones struck out four batters over four scoreless innings during a 1-0 win.

“Probably the best I’ve ever thrown the ball in my career was here,” Jones said. “It’s been pretty fun getting back here.”

It hasn’t always been easy for Jones to spend time away from the sport he loves.

“Surgery sucked. I don’t think any athlete wants to go through surgery, but it’s not fun,” Jones said. “You do nothing for about a month until you can actually move your elbow or whatever you hurt.”

Jared Jones (WTAJ)

One of the unique hobbies that Jones picked up was using a remote control boat in his pond. Not only did he learn more than he expected about that, but he also learned a lot about himself through this process.

“There’s a pretty big opportunity to learn more about what you can do as a pitcher and sharpen up your other stuff, like my changeup and curveball, knock on wood, have never been this good,” Jones said. “So being able to get those really dialed in during that time has been pretty fun.”