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On June 27, Jared Jones came off the mound and was clearly frustrated after giving up three earned runs, including a home run, against the Cincinnati Reds.
The Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher had been erratic, to say the least, since coming off the injured list at the end of May following UCL surgery, which caused him to miss the entire 2025 campaign.
No one expected Jones to be an elite-level pitcher immediately upon his return, but the growing pains were obvious. The good news is that he’s seemingly made a turn in his post-injury
Jones was lights out on Saturday against the Cleveland Guardians in Pittsburgh’s first game back from the All-Star Break. He threw 74 pitches in five innings, only allowing one earned run. Jones also struck out a season-high nine batters with his average fastball velocity at 98.7, just a tick higher than his season average.
This start in Cleveland is one of a stretch that should really have the Pirates excited about Jones ’ progression and direction he’s heading in. It finally looks like the 24-year-old is returning to his pre-surgery form.
Jul 8, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Jared Jones (17) delivers a pitch against the Atlanta Braves during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Jones has made three starts in July. In those outings, he has a 1.20 ERA (2 ER/15.0 innings) and a 0.53 WHIP. The right-hander’s command has been one of the biggest standouts with 63 percent of his pitches landing in the zone, a strikeout rate of 43 percent, and three walks in 53 batters faced.
To put into perspective just how impressive this stretch has been, Jones had retired 30 straight batters dating back to his start against the Philadelphia Phillies until Steven Kwan hit a double off him in Saturday’s win.
Jones said that after his start in Cleveland, his feel for the ball has been better over the last few weeks.
“I hadn’t thrown a baseball [in game] for more than 12 months, and coming back was a little bit shaky. A little extra nerves going in there I’d never felt before. Kind of just feel like I can get in my groove a little bit easier now,” Jones said.
Jones is still on a pitch count and has yet to throw more than six innings since returning from injury.
For as strong as he’s looked in July, this may be just the beginning of the impact Jones can make during Pittsburgh’s playoff push.
Pirates Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Pirates. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.
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The Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher had been erratic, to say the least, since coming off the injured list at the end of May following UCL surgery, which caused him to miss the entire 2025 campaign.
No one expected Jones to be an elite-level pitcher immediately upon his return, but the growing pains were obvious. The good news is that he’s seemingly made a turn in his post-injury
Jones was lights out on Saturday against the Cleveland Guardians in Pittsburgh’s first game back from the All-Star Break. He threw 74 pitches in five innings, only allowing one earned run. Jones also struck out a season-high nine batters with his average fastball velocity at 98.7, just a tick higher than his season average.
This start in Cleveland is one of a stretch that should really have the Pirates excited about Jones ’ progression and direction he’s heading in. It finally looks like the 24-year-old is returning to his pre-surgery form.
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Jul 8, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Jared Jones (17) delivers a pitch against the Atlanta Braves during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Jones has made three starts in July. In those outings, he has a 1.20 ERA (2 ER/15.0 innings) and a 0.53 WHIP. The right-hander’s command has been one of the biggest standouts with 63 percent of his pitches landing in the zone, a strikeout rate of 43 percent, and three walks in 53 batters faced.
To put into perspective just how impressive this stretch has been, Jones had retired 30 straight batters dating back to his start against the Philadelphia Phillies until Steven Kwan hit a double off him in Saturday’s win.
Jones said that after his start in Cleveland, his feel for the ball has been better over the last few weeks.
“I hadn’t thrown a baseball [in game] for more than 12 months, and coming back was a little bit shaky. A little extra nerves going in there I’d never felt before. Kind of just feel like I can get in my groove a little bit easier now,” Jones said.
Jones is still on a pitch count and has yet to throw more than six innings since returning from injury.
For as strong as he’s looked in July, this may be just the beginning of the impact Jones can make during Pittsburgh’s playoff push.
Pirates Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Pirates. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.
Continue reading...
