Pittsburgh Pirates rookie pitcher Jared Jones made quite the impression in his fourth major league start against the New York Mets on Tuesday night. Despite the Pirates ultimately losing the game, Jones showcased his talent and potential as a future ace for the team.
The 22-year-old right-hander threw five shutout innings, striking out seven batters, walking none, and allowing just one hit. With a fastball reaching 97-99 mph and a sharp slider at 90-92 mph, Jones left both fans and opponents impressed with his dominant performance.
However, the Pirates are taking a cautious approach with their young pitcher. Manager Derek Shelton made the decision to pull Jones after five innings, sticking to a predetermined plan to protect the pitcher’s arm and ensure his long-term health.
Despite the disappointment of being taken out of the game with a 1-0 lead, Jones understood the decision and accepted it professionally. With a 1-2 record, a 3.13 ERA, and 32 strikeouts in 23 innings, Jones has shown great promise in his early major league career.
Jones’ performance also earned him a spot in the record books, becoming only the fourth pitcher since 1893 to strike out at least seven batters in each of his first four games. With his talent and maturity on display, Jones is poised to be a key player for the Pirates as they continue to rebuild and develop their young talent.
As Jones continues to impress on the mound, the Pirates are focused on managing his workload and ensuring his health for the long term. With a bright future ahead, Jones is ready to make his mark in the major leagues and lead the Pirates to success.