What's Happening?
Jared Jones, a pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates, has been making significant progress in his recovery from UCL surgery. According to the Pirates' general manager Ben Cherington, Jones recently utilized all of his pitches during a live batting practice
session on April 6. This marks a crucial step in his rehabilitation process, which he has been conducting at the Pirates' facility in Florida. Jones has now returned to Pittsburgh and is scheduled to throw a side session in front of the coaching and medical staff. Although the Pirates have not disclosed a specific timeline for his return to a minor-league rehab assignment, Jones has been facing hitters in live batting practice for nearly two months. He remains on the 60-day injured list and is not eligible for activation until late May. It is expected that he will require the full 30-day window to build up his pitch count during his rehab assignment.
Why It's Important?
Jared Jones' recovery is significant for the Pittsburgh Pirates as they look to strengthen their pitching roster. His ability to use his full range of pitches during live batting practice suggests a positive trajectory in his rehabilitation. This development is crucial for the Pirates, who are aiming to enhance their competitive edge in the league. The successful return of Jones could bolster the team's pitching depth, providing them with more options and flexibility in their lineup. For Jones, a successful rehab and return to form could solidify his position within the team and potentially lead to more opportunities in the major leagues. The Pirates' management and fans alike are likely to be closely monitoring his progress as he continues his journey back to full fitness.
What's Next?
Jared Jones is expected to continue his rehabilitation with a focus on building up his pitch count. The next steps involve a side session in front of the Pirates' coaching and medical staff, which will be crucial in determining his readiness for a minor-league rehab assignment. If he continues to progress without setbacks, Jones could be on track to rejoin the team later in the season. The Pirates will likely evaluate his performance and recovery closely to ensure he is fully prepared for the demands of major league play. His return could coincide with strategic decisions by the Pirates to optimize their pitching lineup as the season progresses.
