Jared Jones

Pirates’ Todd Tomczyk said Wednesday that Jared Jones, imaged for right elbow soreness, awaits a second opinion, per team updates, with spring pitching ruled out.

Fantasy Impact

Jones’ sore elbow, imaged and pending a second opinion per Wednesday’s update from Tomczyk, likely lands him on the Pirates’ IL, with surgery a looming worry despite cautious optimism. More clarity soon. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues should roster him cautiously, hoping for a minor issue, but bracing for a longer absence if Pittsburgh’s young righty needs significant recovery time in 2025.

Pirates manager Derek Shelton said Wednesday that Jared Jones felt elbow discomfort in his latest bullpen, per team updates, sidelining him from his final spring start.

Fantasy Impact

Jones’ elbow discomfort, reported Wednesday by Shelton, clouds his Opening Day status for the Pirates, with rest planned before deciding next steps—Thomas Harrington could step in if Jones hits the IL. The risk looms large. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues should roster him cautiously, banking on his upside if minor, but bracing for a delay with Pittsburgh’s rotation.

Jared Jones showcased the addition of a sinker to his pitch arsenal in his spring training start on Tuesday.

Fantasy Impact

Jones threw the pitch five times over 27 total pitches. He will continue to develop it over the course of spring training.

Jared Jones has worked on a two-seam fastball this offseason and plans to test it in spring training games, per Alex Stumpf of MLB.com. The right-hander had a breakout 2024 season, but his 1.3 HR/9 rate was a notable flaw. Like teammate Paul Skenes, Jones is looking to incorporate a pitch with more sinking action to help suppress home runs.

Fantasy Impact

If Jones successfully integrates the two-seamer, it could help improve his ground-ball rate and reduce home runs, but it might come at the expense of some strikeouts. He hasn't committed to using it regularly in the season, but fantasy managers should monitor his spring outings to see if the adjustment enhances his overall effectiveness. If the new pitch proves effective, Jones could build on his strong 2024 campaign.

The Pirates optioned Jared Jones to the Florida Complex League.

Fantasy Impact

Jones made his his last start of the season on Friday. He was sent down to make room for Mike Burrows who adds some bullpen depth for the Pirates.