Jared Jones is taking another big step toward his return to the Pittsburgh Pirates, and his latest rehab outing shows he's right on track. The 24-year-old right-hander moved up to Triple-A Indianapolis for his second minor league start, facing the Omaha Storm Chasers with a solid performance.

Over three innings, Jones allowed just one run on five hits, walking one and striking out two while throwing 54 pitches—35 of them for strikes. It was only the second time he's faced live competition since September 27, 2024, following a scoreless three-inning debut with the Bradenton Marauders last week, where he punched out five batters.

The road back hasn't been easy. Jones dealt with arm issues during spring training last season and missed the entire 2024 campaign. But his velocity is already back to elite levels—he topped out at 100 mph for Indianapolis—and his command is steadily improving.

According to Pirates insider Jason Mackey, Jones likely needs four to five rehab outings before rejoining the big league club, which would put his return around late May or early June. That's a welcome timeline for a Pirates rotation that could use the depth. Pittsburgh's starting staff has been solid, with Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller, and Braxton Ashcraft all posting ERAs under 3.02, but the bullpen has been stretched thin.

Jones' return could shift reliever Carmen Mlodzinski back to the bullpen, where he's spent most of his MLB career. General Manager Ben Cherington recently confirmed the Pirates view Jones as a long-term starter, and the team is even considering a six-man rotation to manage innings for young arms like Ashcraft, Mlodzinski, and Bubba Chandler. That move would also help preserve Skenes and Keller's routines without disruption.

Jones is expected to make his next rehab start next week. If all goes well, Pirates fans could see their hard-throwing righty back on the mound at PNC Park before summer heats up.