When Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Jared Jones was placed on the 15-day injured list, it was initially believed that his absence would be brief. However, after consulting with team doctors, it was determined that he wouldn’t be able to start throwing for 15 days.
Pirates Pitcher Jared Jones Will Be Out Longer Than Expected
If the rookie’s absence is prolonged, it would be a significant setback for the Pirates. The 22-year-old right-hander has a 5-6 record with a 3.56 ERA, reflecting his dominance at times. With a 1.110 WHIP, 9.7 strikeouts per nine innings, and a 3.63 strikeout-to-walk ratio, Jones has been a key player. Fortunately, his IL stint will coincide with the All-Star break.
With Jones out for an extended period, let’s explore some potential candidates to take his place in the Pirates’ rotation.
Rehabbing Pitchers
Injured pitchers Marco Gonzales and Quinn Priester are currently on rehab assignments at Triple-A Indianapolis. Gonzales, acquired in an offseason trade, has performed well in his three starts for the Bucs, despite not having any decisions. Over 17 innings, he has a 2.65 ERA and 1.176 WHIP. Gonzales went on the injured list on April 14 due to a left forearm strain that also sidelined him for much of 2023. His rehab assignment began on Monday in Louisville, where he pitched three innings, allowing two runs (one earned) on three hits, with three strikeouts and one walk. He emerged healthy from his 51-pitch outing.
Gonzales will require a lengthy rehab assignment after such a long layoff, with a likely target of late July or early August to rejoin the Pirates after building up his pitch count. No one will block Gonzales from taking a spot in the rotation if Jones remains out.
Priester, who went on the IL on June 6 with a right lat muscle injury, has started six games for the Pirates this season, posting an 0-5 record with a 4.83 ERA, 1.547 WHIP, and 5.72 FIP. Despite these struggles, the 2019 first-round pick has performed much better at Indianapolis, with a 3-1 record in seven starts, a 3.21 ERA, and 1.069 WHIP. His rehab start on Tuesday in Louisville saw him pitch five innings, allowing one run on three hits with six strikeouts and 70 pitches, suggesting he is building up for a return to the majors.
Another No. 1 Pick
Daulton Jefferies, acquired in a trade with the San Francisco Giants on May 10, was called up to Pittsburgh on June 17. The 2016 No. 1 pick of the Oakland Athletics has made three relief appearances with the Pirates, posting a 6.30 ERA over 10 innings. However, his Indianapolis performance was less stellar, with a 6.10 ERA and 1.742 WHIP in five starts. Despite having opportunities to start, manager Derek Shelton has opted for bullpen games instead.
The Logical Candidate
Luis Ortiz has quietly emerged as a key part of the Pirates pitching staff. With Jones out, Ortiz may see an increased role. Ortiz had a brief stint as a starter in 2022 but started 2023 as a reliever due to a drop in velocity. Despite not regaining his velocity, he has been effective, with a 4-2 record, 3.27 ERA, 1.236 WHIP, and 3.36 FIP. After several effective multi-inning stints, Ortiz made a strong start in Cincinnati on June 26, pitching six innings and allowing just one run on four hits, with seven strikeouts and no walks in a 6-1 victory. Ortiz appears to be the logical choice to fill Jones’s spot.
The Last Word
It will be interesting to see who takes Jones’s place in the rotation and how his injury impacts the Pirates’ trade deadline strategy. With a rotation including Jones, Mitch Keller, and Paul Skenes, the Pirates are dark horse contenders, especially if general manager Ben Cherington acquires some strong hitters. Without Jones for an extended period, Pirates fans hope it doesn’t lead to the team waving the white flag and beginning the annual July sell-off.
