Pirates name Carmen Mlodzinski fifth starter
Mlodzinski made 12 starts in 2025, but primarily pitched out of the bullpen for the Pirates in his MLB career.
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 13: Carmen Mlodzinski #50 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on September 13, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) | Getty Images The battle for the Pirates fifth starter spot has been solved, and it was won by a familiar face. Manager Don Kelly joined the SportsNet Pittsburgh broadcast on Sunday as the Pirates faced the Red Sox.
Kelly confirmed that Carmen Mlodzinski will begin the season in the Pirates rotation. Mlodzinski beat out left-hander Hunter Barco and righty free-agent signings Jose Urquidy and Mike Clevinger. He will start Sunday’s series finale against the New York Mets on March 28.
Barco and Urquidy have both made the Opening Day club, but will begin the year in the bullpen. Clevinger was outrighted to the minor leagues on Sunday. Mlodzinski pitched well in four spring training outings (three starts).
He allowed four earned runs over 12. 1 innings with 14 strikeouts compared to two walks. The 27-year-old righty delivered five innings of two-run ball in his final spring start against the Orioles on March 14, closing with a 2.