Jared Jones to IL, outfielder Joshua Palacios recalled

PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – There was talk of Josh Palacios returning to the Pirates on Wednesday, it did happen on Thursday but not replacing an outfielder, rather a starting pitcher.

After the 5-4 win over St. Louis Wednesday, manager Derek Shelton it was a precaution that Jared Jones was pulled from the game and Jones said he wasn’t overly worried about a lat injury. But the 22-year-old starter goes on the 15-day injured list, meaning he will miss two starts before the All-Star Break.

Jones’ last start was skipped to try and buy innings so he could finish the season. Barring something serious, this could allow the rookie to make it through the entire year. The right-hander is 5-6 with a 3.56 ERA, 1.11 WHIP with 98 strikeouts in 91 innings.

Palacios gives the Pirates another option in the outfield as Michael A. Taylor, Jack Suwinski and Edward Olivares have struggled. Palacios was hitting .311 (23-for-74) with five doubles, one home run and eight RBI in 21 games with AAA Indianapolis. In his last 13 games, the left-handed hitter had a .362 average with four doubles, a home run and six RBI.

"It's amazing," Palacios said before the game. "It's beautiful weather outside, the park, it's July 4th. Super excited to be back and I'm just super excited to play baseball again. It's exciting."

Last year Palacios had 247 at bats in 91 games with the Pirates hitting .239 with a .279 on-base percentage and .692 OPS. The 28-year-old had nine doubles, two triples and 10 home runs. Last July 4, Palacios had the game-winning, pinch-hit double to help beat the Dodgers 9-7.