Paul Skenes Sends Message After Major Pirates News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Trant | Last updated May 30, 2026 2:33 PM ET

The Pittsburgh Pirates have taken a significant step forward in the 2026 MLB season. Entering Saturday’s matchup with the Minnesota Twins with a 30-28 record, Pittsburgh has emerged as a legitimate threat in a brutal National League Central Division. Finding themselves in fifth place, the Pirates are battling in the MLB’s only division in which every team enters the weekend with a winning record.

Much of the Pirates’ success has been driven by their ace, 24-year-old Paul Skenes. The two-time All-Star and Cy Young Award winner has continued establishing himself as amongst the best pitchers in all of baseball. However, another major storyline for the organization has been the long-awaited return of fellow young starter Jared Jones.

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes (30)© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

After missing the entire 2025 season while recovering from right UCL surgery, Jones has made his long-awaited return to the mound for the Pirates. On Friday, Jones appeared in his first major league game since September of 2024, and teammate Paul Skenes shared his excitement on his Instagram story.

Skenes posted a photo alongside Jones with the caption, “SO BACK @JAREDJONES17,” celebrating the return of one of Pittsburgh’s most important young pitchers.

In his return against the Minnesota Twins on Friday, Jones showed some expected rust, as the 24-year-old allowed five earned runs across 4.1 innings. However, he also struck out six batters and generated plenty of swing-and-miss stuff throughout the outing. His velocity appeared fully intact as well, with his fastball reaching 101.5 mph and touching triple digits repeatedly throughout his first Major League start since 2024.

Jones' return reunites him with Skenes, forming one of baseball's most exciting young pitching duos. Skenes currently owns a 6-5 record with a 2.89 ERA and 75 strikeouts across 65.1 innings pitched.

Pittsburgh will now look to continue its strong start to the year while welcoming Jones back into the rotation. With his velocity intact and Skenes continuing to pitch at an elite level, the Pirates are hopeful the pair can help lead the club throughout the remainder of the season.

The Pirates will look to clinch a series victory against the Twins on Saturday.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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