Pirates GM Ben Cherington indicated Jared Jones could make another rehab start in Altoona, potentially paving the way for a May return.
Jared Jones’ path back from injury is starting to look clearer, and Pittsburgh Pirates fans are already feeling the impact even before he steps back onto a major-league mound.
Pittsburgh enters the stretch with a deep. high-upside rotation headlined by Cy Young winner Paul Skenes. along with Braxton Ashcraft and Bubba Chandler.. Yet the atmosphere around the club is also shaped by what happens when Jones returns—because his development and workload progression could significantly sharpen the team’s pitching depth.
The latest update centers on Jones’ rehab schedule. The Pirates’ general manager confirmed that the right-hander will make his next rehab start with Double-A Altoona. That appearance is expected to be the next step in determining how quickly he can safely move back toward Pittsburgh.
Jared Jones is currently working his way back from UCL surgery, and the club’s approach reflects the need for caution rather than timing a “perfect” return. The expectation is that if he comes through this next rehab start without any setbacks, the road back to the majors becomes far more defined.
Ben Cherington’s comments, as relayed by Jason Mackey of MLB.com, suggest the Pirates are keeping May on the radar. Mackey reported that Cherington told him Jones could pitch for the team in May—something that would represent a major lift given how long his return has been anticipated.
The rehab start itself is scheduled for Tuesday in Altoona. with the key issue being whether Jones is able to complete the workload and respond normally afterward.. That kind of next-step evaluation is critical after UCL surgery. since teams typically prioritize health and pitch-readiness before committing to any major-league timeline.
While Pittsburgh has plenty of credible arms already. adding Jones would raise the ceiling of the rotation and change the planning calculus for the entire staff.. It’s not just about one start—it’s about giving the Pirates another high-leverage option they can build around as the season moves forward.
Jones’ early major-league production underscores why the Pirates are eager to get him back on the mound. Over his first 22 starts in the majors, he posted a 4.14 ERA with a 132/39 K/BB ratio.
His performance in the minors also hinted at the potential that earned him recognition as an elite prospect. Over 75 minor league appearances, Jones recorded a 4.28 ERA paired with a 414/139 K/BB ratio.
Even with those numbers setting expectations, the immediate focus remains straightforward: how Jones handles his next rehab outing.. The report indicated that Cherington is optimistic he can soon become a major contributor. but that optimism is conditional on him staying unscathed through the Altoona start.
If Jones clears that test and avoids any new setbacks, the return could arrive earlier than fans might expect—potentially even before the end of the month. For a franchise that has leaned on its rotation’s momentum, that prospect adds an extra layer of excitement as the season progresses.
Pittsburgh Pirates Jared Jones UCL surgery rehab start Altoona MLB rotation May return Paul Skenes