Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Jared Jones is facing a critical point in his recovery from a right elbow ligament strain. The 23-year-old had been optimistic about returning post-All-Star break after a stable initial examination, but recent setbacks have put his future in jeopardy.

In his rookie season, Jones posted a 6-8 record with a 4.14 ERA over 22 starts, affected by a lat injury earlier in the year. The Pirates had envisioned him as a key part of their starting rotation alongside Paul Skenes, the 2024 NL Rookie of the Year. However, the possibility of Tommy John surgery looms, which could sideline Jones for the entirety of 2025 and beyond, adding another layer of uncertainty for the young pitcher and his fantasy owners.