Pirates starter Jared Jones solid in rehab assignment with Indianapolis

Jared Jones continues to work his way back to the Major Leagues.

Jones made his second rehab start in the minor league for the Pittsburgh Pirates, suiting up for Triple-A Indianapolis.

The 24-year-old right-hander totaled three innings of one-run ball against the Omaha Storm Chasers.

Jones allowed five hits, walked one, and struck out two. He threw 54 pitches, 35 for strikes.

The outing was the second time Jones has competed on the mound against another team since September 27, 2024.

He delivered three scoreless innings for the Bradenton Marauders and struck out five last week.

The road hasn’t been easy for Jones, who experienced arm issues during spring training last year and missed the entire season.

Pirates insider Jason Mackey said on 93.7 The Fan on Wednesday that Jones likely needs four to five rehab outings before re-joining the team.

That would slot Jones for a late May, early June return to the Pirates rotation.

Pittsburgh needs depth in its pitching staff, especially the bullpen. Jones’ return could bump Carmen Mlodzinski back to the bullpen, where he’s spent the majority of his MLB career.

Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller, and Braxton Ashcraft entered Thursday with ERA’s under 3.02, with Skenes the lowest at 2.36

Jones topped out at 100 mph for the Indians in a decent outing, but is only halfway to taking an MLB mound again.

General Manager Ben Cherington said on his radio show last Sunday that the Pirates view Jones as a starter long-term. The Pirates could consider a six-man rotation, managing innings for Ashcraft, Mlodzinski, and Bubba Chandler.