Hunter Brown showcased his resilience on Sunday, hurling six scoreless innings against the Tampa Bay Rays, a team that had previously given him trouble. Despite not having his best command, Brown limited the Rays to just one hit and helped the Houston Astros clinch a narrow 1-0 victory. He tackled a critical moment in the sixth inning after allowing two baserunners, where a strategic meeting with catcher Yainer Diaz led to a perfectly executed slider that resulted in an inning-ending double play against Yandy Díaz. This performance marked Brown's 10th quality start in just 12 games this season.

Although Brown's pitch count was high due to his four walks, he maintained the ability to escape jams, showing growth and composure under pressure. His ERA dropped to 1.83, placing him among the top starters in the league. With the Astros' rotation facing injury challenges, Brown's consistent output is becoming crucial to their success. Manager Joe Espada praised his ability to execute under duress, and closer Josh Hader echoed that sentiment, calling it top-tier pitching. As the season progresses, Brown's reliability will be a key asset for Houston in their playoff chase.

Jared Jones' 2025 season with the Pittsburgh Pirates has been abruptly cut short due to elbow surgery that will sideline him for the remainder of the year. The decision came after a setback during recovery from a right UCL sprain he suffered during Spring Training. After consulting with Dr. Keith Meister, Jones and the Pirates' medical team concluded surgery was necessary to address complications with his elbow-forearm complex.

Jones established himself as one of the Pirates' promising young pitchers last season, finishing with a 4.14 ERA and 132 strikeouts over 121.1 innings, despite battling injuries. His absence marks a significant challenge for the Pirates, who are already managing a roster rich in pitching talent both at the major and minor league levels.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have encountered a significant setback with the announcement that pitcher Jared Jones will undergo elbow surgery, sidelining him for the entirety of the 2025 season. Initially complaining of elbow pain in March, Jones attempted rehabilitation but experienced renewed discomfort, leading to the decision for surgery after consultation with Dr. Keith Meister.

Jones's promising debut season in 2024, where he posted a 4.14 ERA, had raised hopes for his role in the rotation alongside fellow starter Paul Skenes. However, this injury may jeopardize not only his return in 2025 but possibly extend into 2026. Additionally, first baseman Enmanuel Valdez faces a similar fate after shoulder surgery.

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.

In the ever-evolving landscape of fantasy baseball, keeping an eye on injured players who can be stashed on your roster is crucial. This week, five notable names are highlighted for potential waiver wire adds as they recover from injuries. First up is Max Scherzer, the veteran pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays, currently rostered in only 6% of leagues. Expected to return by mid-May, Scherzer has shown flashes of brilliance in the past and carries strikeout potential, making him a worthy investment for those with an IL spot.

Next is Jared Jones of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who is also worth stashing as he recovers from injury. With a 4.14 ERA and a strikeout rate above one per inning, Jones offers significant upside when he returns to the rotation in early July. Also on the list is Willi Castro, who has versatility across several positions for the Minnesota Twins and is expected back soon to bolster their struggling lineup. Additionally, David Fry from the Cleveland Guardians, while recovering from Tommy John surgery, brings a valuable bat to the mix, especially with catcher eligibility. Finally, Lane Thomas, another Guardian, offers a mix of power and speed and should contribute solid numbers once he’s back on the field.