Pittsburgh Pirates News

Jared Jones • SP • Pirates

Jared Jones Shut Down For Six Weeks

Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Jared Jones (elbow) will be shut down from throwing for the next six weeks. The good news is, Jones won't require surgery, so it doesn't appear he's in jeopardy of having a season-ending injury. The right-hander will need to build up his arm strength and stamina, so fantasy managers might not see Jones until June. Honestly, it's too early for a set timetable, but fantasy managers should prepare to be without Jones for at least a month and a half. The Pirates haven't said who will take his spot in the rotation, but Bubba Chandler and Thomas Harrington could possibly get the call to the big leagues early in the season.

4 hours ago

Thomas Harrington • SP • Pirates

Thomas Harrington Won't Make Opening Day Roster

Pittsburgh Pirates manager Derek Shelton said on Monday that right-handed pitching prospect Thomas Harrington will not be on the team's Opening Day roster. Harrington was an option to open the year as the team's fifth starter with Jared Jones (elbow) injured, but that job will go to right-hander Carmen Mlodzinski early on. Harrington, the Pirates' No. 3 prospect per MLB Pipeline, will begin the 2025 season at Triple-A Indianapolis with Bubba Chandler, the club's top prospect. Going into his final spring outing on Monday, the 23-year-old Harrington had a 2.70 ERA and 0.90 WHIP with five K's and three walks in three Grapefruit League appearances. When Harrington does eventually make his big-league debut (likely this year), he'll be overshadowed by the likes of Paul Skenes and Chandler, but he has excellent command and good stuff and could quickly become relevant in deep-mixed fantasy leagues.

Yesterday

Carmen Mlodzinski • RP • Pirates

Carmen Mlodzinski To Open As No. 5 Starter

Pittsburgh Pirates manager Derek Shelton said that right-hander Carmen Mlodzinski will open the year as the team's fifth starter. Even with Jared Jones (elbow) starting the year on the injured list, neither Thomas Harrington nor Bubba Chandler will open the 2025 season in Pittsburgh's starting rotation, but we'll see how long Mlodzinski can hold them off. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect much from the 26-year-old Mlodzinski, who didn't have a single traditional start for the Bucs in his 40 appearances a season ago. He went 5-5 with a 3.38 ERA (3.36 FIP) and 1.18 WHIP with 46 strikeouts and 19 walks in 50 2/3 innings pitched. Mlodzinski was a reliable reliever for Pittsburgh last year after opening the season with an elbow injury, but he's displayed a modest strikeout rate and probably isn't anything more than a short-term option for the back of the team's starting rotation.

Yesterday

Nick Yorke • 2B • Pirates

Nick Yorke Sent To Triple-A

The Pittsburgh Pirates have optioned infield prospect Nick Yorke to Triple-A Indianapolis. Yorke was competing for a spot on the Opening Day roster but will instead continue his development at the top level of the minor leagues. During camp, Yorke held a modest .206/.310/.265 slash line. Even with infielder Spencer Horwitz (wrist) expected to miss time early in the season, Yorke was unable to crack the Opening Day roster. Last season, Yorke received a brief taste of the majors and held a .216/.286/.378 slash line across 11 contests. He spent most of the campaign at the Triple-A level and performed quite well. Across 78 games at the level, split between time in Worcester and Indianapolis, the former 17th overall selection posted a strong .222/.420/.498 slash line with 25 doubles and 13 stolen bases. If he continues to perform at this level at Triple-A, he should push for an early return to the majors.

Yesterday

Jared Jones • SP • Pirates

Pirates Waiting On Second Opinion For Jared Jones

MLB.com's Alex Stumpf writes that the Pittsburgh Pirates are still in the process of learning about the severity of right-hander Jared Jones' right-elbow injury. They have done imaging and are now waiting on a second opinion, according to director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk. It's unclear when Jones might be able to resume throwing again. The hope is that the Pirates will either have a resolution or know what the next steps are for Jones in the coming days. What we do know is that the 23-year-old won't make his final spring training start, according to manager Derek Shelton. Jones is one of the team's big three starters alongside Paul Skenes and Mitch Keller, so losing him for an extended period of time would be pretty devastating. Jones looked good as a rookie but did miss most of July and August with a lat strain. If Jones is forced to open the year on the injured list, Andrew Heaney could be his replacement.

6 days ago

Jared Jones • SP • Pirates

Jared Jones Dealing With Elbow Discomfort

Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Jared Jones (elbow) experienced elbow discomfort after his most recent bullpen session and will miss his final spring training start. Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reported the news. Jones pitched well in his 2024 debut, compiling a 4.14 ERA and 1.19 WHIP with a 26.2% strikeout rate in 121.2 innings (22 starts). The 23-year-old has been a popular breakout pick for the 2025 season. While it's possible the Pirates are being cautious with their young arm, elbow discomfort isn't what you want to hear. He likely won't throw for a bit and will be re-evaluated in a few days. Fantasy managers will want to continue monitoring the hard-throwing righty over the next week, as he's currently being selected inside the top 150 of drafts.

6 days ago

Nick Yorke • 2B • Pirates

Nick Yorke Could Make Opening Day Roster

Pittsburgh Pirates first base prospect Nick Yorke could make the Opening Day roster. Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette noted that with Darick Hall and Matt Gorski being assigned to minor-league camp, Yorke could have a path to making the roster. He also noted that infield prospect Billy Cook could also be in the mix as well. In spring training, Yorke has held a .233/.342/.300 slash line with a 6:10 BB:K. Last summer, Yorke made his MLB debut and tallied eight hits (with two home runs) across his first 11 MLB contests. In the minor leagues, he spent time at the Double and Triple-A level. In 78 games at Triple-A, Yorke posted an impressive .333/.420/.498 slash line with 25 doubles and eight round-trippers. If he were to make the roster, he would likely serve as a depth option in the infield and only be worth rostering in NL-only formats.

6 days ago

Thomas Harrington • SP • Pirates

Thomas Harrington Allows One Run On Tuesday

Pittsburgh Pirates right-handed pitching prospect Thomas Harrington tossed 3 2/3 innings of one-run ball during his start on Tuesday. Harrington's lone blemish came off a solo shot by Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos. Harrington tallied three punchouts and allowed just one free pass. Through 6 2/3 innings this spring, Harrington has held a 2.70 ERA with a strong 0.90 WHIP. Across this stint, he has tallied five strikeouts while serving up three walks. The Campbell University product is still on the major-league roster and is competing for a spot on the Opening Day roster. Last summer, Harrington made his Triple-A debut and posted a 3.33 ERA with a 0.93 WHIP across 46 frames. He tallied 38 strikeouts while allowing just eight free passes. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring his status, as he could make the Opening Day roster.

6 days ago

Jason Delay • C • Pirates

Jason Delay Optioned To Minors

Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Jason Delay has been optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday. Delay was unable to make the big league roster after going 2-for-17 in 12 spring training contests. This isn't shocking news, but it does help limit down the catching competition in Pittsburgh. Joey Bart figures to have already made the roster as the primary catcher with Endy Rodriguez and Henry Davis still battling for the backup role. Bart is really the only one here with any fantasy value after putting together a breakout campaign with the Pirates last season. He hit .265/.337/.462 with 13 home runs and 45 RBI across 80 games last season.

7 days ago

Bailey Falter • SP • Pirates

Bailey Falter Ready To Go For Monday

Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Bailey Falter (general soreness) is scheduled to take the mound for Monday's spring training contest. The left-hander was scratched ahead of his start on Thursday due to general soreness. The team gave Falter a few days to rest and that appears to have helped as the southpaw is ready to take the mound again. Falter was a decent option for the Pirates last season. He posted a 4.43 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, and 97/45 K/BB ratio across 28 starts with the Pirates.

Mar 16

David Bednar • RP • Pirates

David Bednar Not Officially Named Closer

Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher David Bednar is expected to be the primary closing option for the team heading into the regular season. However, Pirates' manager Derek Shelton has made it clear that there isn't an official closer right now. The assumption is that Bednar will get the first crack at saves considering he's a two-time All-Star in that role. However, he struggled last season with a 5.77 ERA across 62 appearances. It hasn't gone any better for him in spring training with a 14.40 ERA across five outings. The right-hander could quickly be removed from high leverage spots if he continues to struggle early in the season. The team will likely use a committee approach if Bednar struggles, so there's no clear fantasy option right now.

Mar 16

Ke'Bryan Hayes • 3B • Pirates

Ke'Bryan Hayes Returning On Saturday

Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes (side) is starting on Saturday afternoon. Hayes will cover the hot corner and bat at the top of the lineup. Hayes has been held out of action since the first week of the month due to left side tightness. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring his status, but seeing him return to the lineup suggests he will not be in danger of missing Opening Day. The 28-year-old is expected to be Pittsburgh's everyday third baseman. Last season, the former 32nd-overall selection posted a .233/.283/.290 line with four home runs and 11 stolen bases. He generated a low .279 xwOBA but showed a strong eye at the plate as he held an 18.9 percent strikeout rate. Hayes is known for being an elite defender which will keep him in the starting lineup. Fantasy managers should view Hayes as a depth corner infielder in deeper formats.

Mar 15

Paul Skenes • SP • Pirates

Paul Skenes Named Opening Day Starter

Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes was named the Opening Day starter. Skenes will face the Miami Marlins. The former first-overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft made his MLB debut last May and was one of the most valuable pitchers in fantasy. He tossed 133 innings and held a stellar 1.96 ERA and a 0.95 WHIP. He tallied strikeouts at an impressive 33.1 percent rate. He placed in the 97th percentile in xERA and 94th percentile in xBA. He also generated ground balls at an impressive 52.3 percent rate (89th percentile). Skenes was named NL Rookie of the Year. He tallied at least eight punchouts in 13 of his 23 appearances. Skenes will be viewed as a top DFS play on Opening Day as he will face the Marlins who are projected to have one of the worst offensive lineups in the National League.

Mar 15

Endy Rodríguez • C • Pirates

Endy Rodriguez Expected To Begin Season With Triple-A

Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Endy Rodriguez is expected to begin the season at the Triple-A level. Alex Stumpf of MLB.com noted that the team wants to give Rodriguez at-bats on a daily basis. With Joey Bart slated to be Pittsburgh's primary backstop, Rodriguez will be able to further his development with more playing time in the minor leagues. Last season, Rodriguez was only able to play in 10 minor league games due to an elbow injury. He made his MLB debut during the 2023 season and posted a .220/.284/.328 line with seven doubles and three home runs across 57 contests. He held a 17:49 BB:K. Through 77 career games at Triple-A, the 24-year-old has posted a .285/.362/.450 slash line with 19 doubles and eight home runs. He is worth monitoring in NL-only leagues as he should return to the majors later in 2025.

Mar 15

Ke'Bryan Hayes • 3B • Pirates

Ke'Bryan Hayes Resumes Full Baseball Activities

Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes (side) has resumed full baseball activities. Pirates senior director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk noted, "We envision him being available for game activity in the coming days as well." Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status but should expect him to return to the starting lineup very soon. Hayes has been dealing with left side tightness over the past two weeks. When healthy, he should have an everyday role as the starting third baseman. Last season, the former 32nd-overall pick held a .233/.283/.290 line with four home runs and 11 stolen bases. He generated a weak .279 xwOBA but showed a strong eye at the plate as he held an 18.9 percent strikeout rate. Fantasy managers should view him as a depth corner infield option that has more value in points leagues given his low strikeout rate.

Mar 13

Henry Davis • C • Pirates

Henry Davis Expected To Be No. 2 Backstop

Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Henry Davis is projected to be the team's No. 2 backstop on the Opening Day roster. Davis is a former top prospect but has yet to take the next step in the major leagues. He was selected with the first overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft. He made his MLB debut in 2023 and held a modest .214/.302/.351 line across 62 games. Then, in 2024, Davis appeared in just 37 games in Pittsburgh and had a lower .144/.242/.212 slash line. However, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com noted that given Davis' strong play in spring training, he has put himself above Endy Rodriguez and Jason Delay. During camp, Davis has held a strong .286/.348/.524 slash line with two doubles and one home run. The Louisville product has also seen time in the outfield which will provide the team with additional defensive flexibility. Fantasy managers in deeper two-catcher formats should monitor Davis' progression as he could be worth a late-round flier if he continues to produce in spring training.

Mar 13

Bailey Falter • SP • Pirates

Bailey Falter Expected To Open Campaign In Rotation

Pittsburgh Pirates left-handed pitcher Bailey Falter is projected to open the season in the starting rotation. Throughout camp, he was competing for a spot in the rotation alongside prospects Bubba Chandler, Hunter Barco, and Mike Burrows. In addition, right-hander Johan Oviedo (lat) was placed on the 60-day injured list, which opened a clear path for Falter to open the season as a starter. Falter logged 142 1/3 innings with the Pirates last season and held a 4.43 ERA with a 1.29 WHIP. He tallied just 97 strikeouts and served up 45 free passes. Under the hood, he generated a high 4.81 xERA with a .267 xBA which placed him in the 16th and 13th percentiles respectively. Given his low strikeout upside, he should only be targeted in deeper NL-only formats as a low-end streaming option in favorable matchups.

Mar 13

Nick Gonzales • 2B • Pirates

Nick Gonzales Viewed As Primary Second Baseman

Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Nick Gonzales is viewed as the team's primary second baseman. Last season, Gonzales logged a career-high 94 games at the MLB level and is poised to surpass that total in 2025. Across this stint last season, Gonzales held a .270/.311/.398 line with 19 doubles and seven home runs. He swiped five bags while holding an underwhelming 18:74 BB:K. He generated a strong .270 xBA which placed him in the 84th percentile among qualified hitters. The former seventh round selection of the 2020 MLB Draft also flashed elite speed as he placed in the 93rd percentile in sprint speed. However, from a power perspective, he posted a modest 36.9 percent hard-hit rate. Gonzales is a solid late-round middle infield option as he will have an everyday spot in the Pittsburgh lineup.

Mar 13

Mike Burrows • SP • Pirates

Mike Burrows Optioned To Triple-A Indianapolis

Pittsburgh Pirates right-handed pitching prospect Mike Burrows was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis. Burrows was in contention to earn a spot in the bullpen but will begin his 2025 campaign in the minor leagues instead. Last season, Burrows made his MLB debut and tossed three 1/3 innings with a 2.70 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP. At Triple-A, the 25-year-old logged 37 2/3 innings to the tune of a 4.06 ERA and a 1.41 WHIP. He held a 15:45 BB:K ratio. Throughout his time in the minor leagues, the Waterford HS product has been deployed primarily as a starter but may need to shift to a bullpen role in order to see more opportunities in the majors. Fantasy managers in deeper NL-only leagues should continue to monitor his status as he will likely return to the majors later in the 2025 season.

Mar 12

Mike Burrows • SP • Pirates

Mike Burrows Could Make Opening Day Roster

Pittsburgh Pirates right-handed pitching prospect Mike Burrows has a good chance to make the Opening Day roster. Burrows made his brief MLB debut last summer as he logged three 1/3 innings. He tallied two strikeouts while holding a 3:2 BB:K ratio and allowing one earned run. He missed the entire first half of the season due to Tommy John. At Triple-A, Burrows logged 37 2/3 innings to the tune of a 4.06 ERA and a 1.41 WHIP. He tallied 45 punchouts and served up 15 free passes. During the 2022 season, Burrows spent most of his time at Double-A and posted a higher 5.31 ERA with a 1.35 WHIP across 42 1/3 innings. In spring training, he has allowed four earned runs across five innings of work. With the Pirates sending Bubba Chandler and Hunter Barco to minor-league camp earlier this month, Burrows appears to be in contention for a spot on the roster. If he were to earn a spot, he would likely operate as a low-leverage relief option.

Mar 11

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