I get it. This is about now. The Paul Skenes window likely won’t be open for long.
But it’s also overwhelmingly obvious why the Pirates have pulled an effective starter from their rotation: They must mine the vast potential of Jared Jones and Bubba Chandler, and the best way to do that is in the major-league rotation — at least for now.
Jones gave up five runs in his return to the majors Friday night, but he also unleashed a flurry of 100 mph-plus fastballs mixed with a variety of other pitches that led to 15 swings and misses.
Both he and Chandler possess golden arms. Carmen Mlodzinski — the guy who lost his rotation spot — does not.
It really is that simple.
That doesn’t mean Jones and Chandler will make it as starters. Baseball history is littered with fireballers who never learned to actually pitch. And if Chandler continues to struggle, and Jones fails to give his team a regular chance to win, then moves must be made.
For now, though, the Pirates owe it to themselves to see what they have here.
They owe Mlodzinski nothing. It’s not necessarily fair that he lost his spot, but in modern-day baseball, bullpen roles are critical. Mlodzinski remains a huge part of the team. It’s also likely that he’ll start several games over the next four months.
Here’s hoping Mlodzinski sees the light. In speaking with reporters the other day, he hinted that he might ask out.
“I can honestly say I’m just still communicating with the organization and the people in my corner — whether that’s my family or my agency — about what’s next,” Mlodzinski said.
Here’s what’s next: Unless he refuses, he’s going to pitch high-leverage innings out of the bullpen until the Pirates need him to start again.
Both him and Jones have publicly scoffed at the idea of working as relievers. Maybe both should take a cue from veteran second baseman Brandon Lowe, who despite coming off an All-Star year — and despite being the team’s best player this season — did not make a peep when manager Don Kelly twice pulled him for a minor leaguer last month.
Lowe was on a historic hot streak the first time Kelly pulled him for Nick Yorke, but his body language and post-game comments were 100% professional.
Lowe even said he agreed with the decision, which nobody believed. The point was, he took one (two, actually) for the team.
“Take the personal opinion out of it,” Lowe told reporters after the first time he was pulled.
Yes, take the personal opinion out of it — at least publicly — and do what is best for the team.
Mlodzinski pleaded for the chance to be a starter again, and the Pirates granted his wish. And he performed mostly well, posting a 4-3 record and a 3.76 ERA — but we’re not talking about Justin Verlander here.
Within the past month, Mlodzinski had a three-game stretch where he allowed 19 hits and 15 runs in 13 2/3 innings. Some of his advanced numbers — and his low strikeout total — would indicate that his recent excellent stretch might not last.
But this isn’t just about the fact that Mlodzinski is competing against two guys with higher ceilings. He is also the best option to help a struggling bullpen. He has performed well in that role.
Jones is coming off a major arm injury and is not suited for the bullpen at the moment, although one could see a future closer with his demeanor and stuff. The Pirates need to manage Jones’ workload carefully and make sure his arm has prescribed rest between outings. That is best accomplished with him in the rotation.
Chandler walks too many hitters to be a viable bullpen piece. The Pirates either need to get him right or send him to the minors. If it’s the latter, Mlodzinski will find himself back in the rotation soon enough.
In the meantime, they need him to Buc up and pitch in.