Pirates Reactivate Pitchers Among Other Moves

As expected, the Pittsburgh Pirates have reactivated starting pitcher Jared Jones and reliever Carmen Mlodzinski. Jones had been on the injured list since July 4 with a right lat strain and just completed a rehab assignment at Triple-A Indianapolis. He is scheduled to start Tuesday night’s game against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park.

Pirates Reactivate Pitcher Jared Jones Among Other Moves

Jones, 22, is 5-6 with a 3.56 ERA, 1.110 WHIP, 3.75 FIP, and ERA+ of 117. The fearless rookie right-hander has struck out 9.7 per nine innings for a well above-average 26.4 strikeout percentage. Opponents are batting just .220/.283/.398 against him. He features a four-seam fastball, slider, curveball, and changeup. The four-seamer is used 49.8 percent of the time and averages 97.3 mph. Just as important, the Pirates might get some extra juice from Jones’ bulldog attitude on the mound. Since making the team out of spring training, Jones has carried himself as though he knew he belonged. Older Pirates fans had to be reminded of Don Robinson, who made the team at age 20 in 1978.

Although he returns too late to give the Pirates a realistic chance to get back in the Wild Card race, to his teammates Jones will be a sight for sore eyes. Starting pitching has been a strength for the Pirates for most of the season. However, with injuries to Jones and Marco Gonzales, and trades of Quinn Priester and Martín Pérez, recently the starting rotation has been held together by shoestrings and duct tape. As a result, the Pirates have given starts to Jake Woodford, who was designated for assignment on Monday, and recent addition Domingo Germán.

In three rehab starts at Indy, Jones pitched 11 innings, registering a 0-1 record and a 4.91 ERA. More impressively, he had a 1.091 WHIP and struck out 13.1 per nine innings.

Mlodzinski will Help Bullpen

Jones won’t be the only pitcher who the Pirates will be glad to see. Mlodzinski, 25, the 31st overall pick in 2020, will provide a boost to a beleaguered bullpen that’s been ineffective. In 2024, he has a 3.18 ERA and 1.235 WHIP. He’s been a reliable bullpen option, working his way into the seventh-inning specialist role as a rookie in 2023.

Bae Victim of Lineup Shake-Up

Of course, where roster moves are concerned, baseball giveth and taketh away. Center fielder/second baseman Ji Hwan Bae has been optioned to Indianapolis, a victim of the need for a vacant roster spot, the recent decision to move shortstop Oneil Cruz to center field, and his own ineffectiveness. The speedy 24-year-old has provided strong outfield defense but is hitting only .189/.247/.216 with a 32 OPS+. He has a .275 BABIP, but with a 29.6 percent strikeout rate, he doesn’t put the ball in play enough to take advantage of his BABIP and his speed.

Despite Bae’s poor play, it’s quite a shock that he’s been ejected from the active roster instead of Michael A. Taylor. The Pirates placed Taylor on outright waivers on Sunday. He wasn’t designated for assignment, however, and remains on the active roster until he’s claimed. Taylor seemingly has nine lives like a cat. The Pirates must be hoping that another team claims him and his .196/.257/.284 slash line and assumes what’s left of his $4 million contract. Taylor might fit with a contender looking for a late-inning defensive replacement. But if the Pirates are looking for another team to claim him, they’re clinging to a false hope.

A Feel-Good Story, Sort of

Besides Jones and Mlodzinski, another Pirates pitcher graced the transaction list lately. Pittsburgh selected the contract of left-handed reliever Brady Feigl on Sunday. After 10 years of pitching in 17 cities at all minor league levels, the Dominican Winter League, and independent ball, he finally made his major league debut at age 33 on Monday. A day later, Feigl has been designated for assignment along with Bae.

With solid representation from family in the stands at PNC Park, Feigl had a rough debut. He gave up six runs in 1 2/3 innings to the Cubs. But he was left out there as a sacrificial lamb to wrap up an 18-8 loss and save the staff. Although it’s imperative that we writer types maintain a neutral stance, here’s hoping that Feigl gets another chance and is more effective next time. After all, imagine having to tell your grandchildren that Rowdy Tellez relieved you in your only major league appearance.