Pirates fans get much-needed 2026 boost with Jared Jones injury update

As the 2025 MLB season enters its final weeks, the Pittsburgh Pirates got a promising update on one of their injured players that will already have fans looking forward to 2026.

According to Pirates senior director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk, right-handed pitcher Jared Jones has been cleared by medical staff to begin a light throwing program.

Jones, who underwent an internal brace surgery on his right elbow in May, hasn't pitched for the Pirates since his breakout rookie season in 2024 that saw him finish with a 4.14 ERA and 132 strikeouts in 121 2/3 innings over 22 starts.

Tomczyk told reporters (including Jose Negron of DK Pittsburgh Sports) that Jones had taken part in one-hand and two-hand plyometrics, and that he had responded well to those activities. In the throwing program he has been cleared to begin, Jones will start by throwing out to 45-60 feet and build up volume with multiple sets of 25 throws and rest in between. From there, he will continue to build gradually over a large span of time.

“Very encouraged with his progress, very encouraged with the overall range of motion and strength,” Tomczyk said of Jones (via Negron). “He’s on track for our original projection of returning to game activity around 10 to 12 months.” 

Pirates fans get much-needed 2026 boost with Jared Jones injury update

Based on the 10-12 month timeline, the best case scenario would put Jones back in the Pirates' starting rotation at the beginning of the 2026 season. That said, the team will likely take a more cautious approach with one of its most prized young arms, perhaps even putting him in the bullpen and allowing him to gradually build up his innings over time until he's ready to slot back into the rotation.

Even if Jones starts the year in the bullpen, the Pirates' rotation for 2026 is already stacked. Behind National League Cy Young favorite Paul Skenes, reliable veteran Mitch Keller and a resurgent Johan Oviedo, they have a trio of strong rookie arms in Mike Burrows, Braxton Ashcraft and Bubba Chandler – and that's to say nothing of left-handed pitching prospect Hunter Barco, who is expected to make his MLB debut at some point next season.

The Pirates already promise to have one of the best starting rotations in baseball next year. Add in a fully healthy Jones, and they will be a force to be reckoned with.