Pirates' Jones to miss final spring start with elbow discomfort

Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Jared Jones will miss his final start of spring training due to elbow discomfort, manager Derek Shelton announced Wednesday, according to MLB.com's Alex Stumpf.

Shelton added that Jones felt the discomfort after throwing a bullpen session. It's unclear if he'll be ready to make his first start of the regular season.

The 23-year-old is expected to be a big piece of a Pirates rotation alongside 2024 NL Rookie of the Year Paul Skenes and veteran right-hander Mitch Keller. Left-handers Andrew Heaney and Bailey Falter will likely fill out the rotation's final two spots.

Jones put together a strong rookie campaign in 2024, posting a 6-8 record with a 4.14 ERA, 9.88 K/9, and 1.8 fWAR in 121 2/3 innings.

Jones utilized a two-pitch mix of fastball and slider to keep hitters off balance. His slider held opponents to a .207 batting average with an impressive 37.3% whiff rate last season.