Don Kelly Offers Hopeful Timeline for Jared Jones' Return to the Pirates
For months, Pirates fans have been left in the dark about the future of Jared Jones. But now, there's a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. Manager Don Kelly has provided an encouraging timeline for Jones' return, offering a much-needed ray of hope for the team and its supporters.
When the Pirates officially placed Jones on the 60-day injured list, it was more than just a procedural move. It was a calendar marker, and according to Kelly, it's lining up perfectly. While the 60-day IL placement may sound ominous, it's actually a positive sign. The clock doesn't start ticking until Opening Day, meaning Jones could return as early as May 25th, right in line with the original rehab plan.
"Going into it, the target was May-June, somewhere in there," Kelly said. "The rehab calendar lining up to the end of May, beginning of June and then where Jared is at… he’s doing fantastic."
After Jones' season was derailed by arm discomfort and subsequent internal brace surgery, the organization knew this was a long-term project. Internal brace surgery is not as invasive as Tommy John, but it still requires months of rebuilding strength and trust in the elbow. The Pirates are taking a cautious approach, ensuring Jones' return is not rushed.
"Just want to make sure that he continues on that track, where it’s not rushed, that we have a full Jared Jones when he comes back," Kelly said. "He’s throwing the ball really well."
The Pirates' starting rotation is being built with a healthy Jared Jones in mind. His return could significantly impact the team's performance, as his power arsenal, including an upper-90s fastball and a biting slider, changes the ceiling of the staff. Before the injury, Jones was one of the most electric arms in baseball, and his return by late May means the Pirates could effectively add a frontline-caliber arm without making a trade.
Jones can rehab while on the 60-day IL, meaning we should see sim games, then minor league outings, before he’s activated. This gives him the time to ramp up properly, and in a division that rarely runs away from anyone, getting Jones back before the heart of the season could feel like a midseason acquisition. So, mark your calendars, Pirates fans. If everything continues according to plan, Pittsburgh will get Jones back at full strength, right when it matters most.
