Jared Jones Returns From 60-Day IL For Friday Start

jared jones is back. The Pirates activated the right-hander from the 60-day injured list so he can start Friday night, and the move gives Pittsburgh the active and 40-man roster room it needed. It is his first MLB appearance since 2024.

Jones Back on Friday

Jones had been sidelined on the 60-day injured list before the Pirates set him up to start tonight’s game. The timing puts him back into a major-league rotation spot immediately, rather than easing him in through a rehab role or bullpen assignment.

For Pittsburgh, the roster move was the part that had to happen first. Jones could not come back without an opening, and the club created one by making a corresponding decision on a pitcher who has already spent meaningful time in the bullpen this season.

Justin Lawrence Designated

Justin Lawrence was designated for assignment to clear that space. He had thrown 22 innings for the Pirates this season, allowing 5.32 earned runs per nine with a 23.6% strikeout rate, an 11.3% walk rate and four home runs.

Lawrence came into Pittsburgh after the club claimed him off waivers ahead of the 2025 season. He had spent 2021 to 2024 with the Rockies, where he posted a 5.43 ERA, and last year he worked 17 appearances with a 0.51 ERA after missing a few months with elbow inflammation.

Pirates Roster Shuffle

The right-hander was on a one-year, $1.225 million deal this season, and the Pirates tendered him a contract for 2026. He is also out of options, which leaves the assignment as a move that can send him through waivers or draw trade interest before any minor league assignment.

Jones now takes the opening the Pirates created, and the immediate test is the same one that forced the roster shuffle in the first place: getting a starter back on the mound after a long absence while preserving the roster flexibility that let the club make the move. Friday’s game gives Pittsburgh that look right away.