Pirates Reveal Surprise Candidate Wins Job In Starting Rotation

Carmen Mlodzinski was a reliable option out of the bullpen for the Pittsburgh Pirates the past two seasons.

And now, the 26-year-old right-hander will get a shot in the starting rotation.

Pirates manager Derek Shelton announced Monday that Mlodzinski will begin the season on the starting staff, joining ace Paul Skenes along with Mitch Keller, Andrew Heaney and Bailey Falter.

“He was pretty consistent all spring,” Shelton told reporters, per the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Noah Hiles. “His velocity held. I think the way he took care of himself this winter, we’ve seen the breaking ball continue to get better, and he kinda earned that spot.”

Mlodzinski showed well during spring training in four appearances (two starts). He posted a 3.72 ERA and 1.34 WHIP to go along with eight strikeouts in 9 2/3 innings.

Mlodzinksi, who recorded a 5-5 record with a 3.38 ERA in 40 appearances with Pittsburgh in 2024, technically made four starts last season, but those all came in an opener role. But he does have experience as a starter in the minor leagues. Mlodzinski started 22 games for Double-A Altoona in 2022 before transitioning to a full-time reliever.

“Honestly, I’m feeling good,” Mlodzinski told reporters last month, per Hiles. “I think being in the bullpen the past few years versus coming up as a starter in the minors, actually having a bullpen routine has helped me to a degree in terms of what I’m doing in between starts to help my body and help me feel better every day. All in all, I feel pretty good this spring, with being extended.”

An opening in the Pirates starting rotation came up due to Jared Jones’ sore elbow. Jones will begin the season on the injured list and it’s unclear how long the talented right-hander will be out.