Pirates star Jared Jones excels in first rehab assignment start with Bradenton
Jones last pitched for the Pirates in September of 2024 and will be relied on as much-needed depth in the Bucs rotation.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 27: Jared Jones #37 of the Pittsburgh Pirates in action against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on September 27, 2024 in New York City. The Pirates defeated the Yankees 4-2. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) | Getty Images The road back to pitching in Major League games took a significant step in the right direction for Jared Jones on Wednesday.
Jones made his first appearance of the 2026 season for Single-A Bradenton, marking the first time he pitched against live competition in over a year. The results? Arguably the best performance by any Pirate in the minor leagues all season.
Jones delivered three perfect innings against the Lakeland Flying Tigers. The rehab assignment start went well for the 24-year-old right hander. Jones didn’t allow a base runner and struck out five, throwing 41 pitches (30 for strikes).
He struck out the last batter he faced in every inning and the final two in the first and third frames. Jared Jones is making his first rehab start down in Bradenton- First batter: 100. 5mph fastball 100.