Pirates Shift Mlodzinski to Bullpen as Jared Jones Returns From 60-Day Injured List
Updated
Updated · Sports Illustrated · May 29
Pirates Shift Mlodzinski to Bullpen as Jared Jones Returns From 60-Day Injured List
8 articles · Updated · Sports Illustrated · May 29
Carmen Mlodzinski lost his rotation spot Friday when Pittsburgh activated Jared Jones from the 60-day injured list and restored him as a starting pitcher.
Don Kelly said the move was made to improve the club's overall chances to win, with Mlodzinski filling a bullpen need for multi-inning, high-leverage relief.
That role has become more urgent as Justin Lawrence, Yohan Ramírez and Dennis Santana have not provided steady length, and Isaac Mattson was sent to Triple-A Indianapolis.
Mlodzinski's track record supports the switch: he owns a 2.63 ERA in 94 relief appearances versus a 4.40 ERA across 26 major league starts.
Kelly called the decision difficult because Mlodzinski had handled two months in the rotation well, but said his versatility gives Pittsburgh more ways to cover close games.
Returning from major surgery, can Jared Jones become the ace this revamped Pirates rotation desperately needs to compete?
Is sacrificing a starter to save a failing bullpen the gamble that finally pushes the Pirates into the postseason?