Scouting Report
Updated May 20, 2026
Jared Jones, Pittsburgh Pirates right-handed pitcher, is recovering from UCL surgery on his right elbow (May 2025) and is progressing through a minor league rehab assignment. The 24-year-old has completed three rehab starts: a perfect 3 innings with Single-A Bradenton (April 29), 3 innings with Triple-A Indianapolis allowing 1 ER (May 6), and 4 scoreless innings with Double-A Altoona (May 12). He maintains elite velocity (100.1 mph peak, 98.8 mph average fastball) with no velocity loss post-surgery. Pirates GM Ben Cherington indicated a possible late May return (as early as May 26). Jones has firmly stated he wants to return to the starting rotation, not the bullpen. The Pirates' current rotation includes Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller, Braxton Ashcraft, Bubba Chandler, and Carmen Mlodzinski, with Jones expected to compete for a spot or potentially lead a six-man rotation.
Strengths
- + Elite velocity maintained post-surgery (100.1 mph peak)
- + Strong strikeout performance in rehab starts
- + Perfect first rehab outing (3 IP, 5 K)
- + Impressive fourth rehab start (4 scoreless IP, 4 K)
- + High strike percentage (36 of 52 pitches for strikes in latest outing)
- + No velocity decline during recovery
- + Former second-round pick (2020) with strong 2024 rookie season (6-8, 4.14 ERA in 22 starts)
- + Clear determination and confidence about role
- + GM optimistic about timeline
Injury Status: IL-60
About
Jahmai Jones is a right fielder for the Detroit Tigers.
Player Overview
RF
Detroit Tigers