Pittsburgh Pirates get massive update on young ...

The MLB season is in full swing as teams enter the eighth week of regular-season play. Although the season remains young, several teams have already emerged as postseason contenders. The Pittsburgh Pirates are not only in the playoff hunt, but they also sit within striking distance of the division crown. Now, it appears reinforcements are on the way. Reports indicate that young ace pitcher Jared Jones could return as early as May 26. He still needs to continue his rehab assignment in Double-A, but his return would provide a massive boost to the Pirates’ rotation. MORE: Shohei Ohtani’s struggles are raising major questions Jones suffered an elbow injury just before the start of the 2025 season, dealing a significant blow to Pittsburgh’s pitching staff. Sep 20, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Jared Jones (37) reacts on the field before the game against the Athletics at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images Pirates rotation (almost) at full strength? Despite posting a 4.14 ERA, Jones showed plenty of promise during his 2024 rookie campaign. He made 22 starts after rapidly climbing through the minor league system. Many experts viewed Jones’ 2024 promotion as a surprise, projecting him to remain in the minors for at least a few more seasons. However, a dominant 2023 minor league season and an impressive spring in 2024 accelerated his rise to the majors. Jones quickly established himself as a key piece of the Pirates’ rotation. He consistently lit up the radar gun with fastballs ranging from 96 to 100 mph. MORE: Aaron Judge has surprise competition in American League home run race The Pirates may have another ace to pair alongside Paul Skenes at the top of the rotation. Like Skenes, Jones features elite velocity, though Skenes currently possesses a more polished and diverse pitch arsenal. Sep 21, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Jared Jones (37) walks in from the bullpen before the game against the Athletics at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn ImagesThe Pirates selected Jones in the second round of the 2020 MLB Draft, and he quickly worked his way through the organization before making his major league debut in 2024. In 22 starts during the 2024 season, Jones recorded 121.2 innings pitched and 132 strikeouts while compiling a 6-8 record. With a rotation featuring Skenes, Mitch Keller, Jones, and Braxton Ashcraft, could the Pirates possess the best young rotation in baseball?

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Pittsburgh Pirates get massive update on young ace pitcher