SPORTS

Pittsburgh removes Jared Jones after six perfect innings

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PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Jared Jones was removed after six perfect innings against the Atlanta Braves on July 8, 2026, at PNC Park, as the club adhered to a strict post-surgery pitch count. The 24-year-old, who missed the entire 2025 season following ulnar collateral ligament internal brace surgery on May 21, 2025, retired all 18 batters he faced, striking out a season-high eight over 77 pitches, 53 of them strikes. Jones opened the game by attacking with his fastball, throwing 10 in a row to start the night, with five registering at or above 100 mph. His bid for perfection was preserved in the third inning when left fielder Bryan Reynolds made a leaping catch at the wall to rob former Pirates catcher Joey Bart of a potential home run on a deep drive to left. PITTSBURGH — Despite Jones’ dominance, Pirates manager Don Kelly pulled him before the start of the seventh inning in accordance with a workload management plan set by the front office and general manager Ben Cherington, which has kept Jones under 82 pitches in each of his eight starts since returning on May 20, 2026. The Pirates bullpen could not hold the scoreless tie, and Bart later homered in the late innings to break up the combined perfect game bid and provide the decisive runs. The blast helped the National League East-leading Braves secure a 3-0 victory, handing the Pirates a loss on a night highlighted by Jones’ brief but overpowering performance.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

May 21, 2025 Pirates pitcher undergoes UCL internal brace surgery
Entire 2025 season Misses year recovering from elbow procedure
May 20, 2026 Returns to active roster for Pirates
May–July 2026 Pitch counts tightly managed each start
July 8, 2026 Throws six perfect innings versus Braves
July 8, 2026 Removed after 77 pitches, no baserunners
July 8, 2026 Joey Bart hits decisive late home run
After the game Manager defends health-first workload strategy

Why This Matters to You

This story is a reminder of the delicate balance in sports between performance and health. For fans, it's a lesson in patience. Jones' recovery and careful management show the Pirates' commitment to their players' long-term wellbeing. If you're a Pirates fan, it's worth keeping an eye on how Jones' season unfolds.

The Bottom Line

Jones' perfect innings show his potential as a top-tier pitcher, despite the loss. The Pirates' decision to prioritize his health over a single game's outcome could pay off in the long run. Worth forwarding if you know someone who loves a good comeback story.