The Pittsburgh Pirates have made a decisive move by naming Carmen Mlodzinski as their fifth starter for the upcoming season. This marks the second consecutive year that Mlodzinski will kick off as a starter, bringing a blend of anticipation and caution to the Pirates' rotation.
Mlodzinski is set to make his season debut against the Mets in New York, joining a rotation that includes Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller, Braxton Ashcraft, and Bubba Chandler. His spring training performance was noteworthy, with a 2.92 ERA over four appearances, including three starts. In 12.1 innings, he allowed four earned runs on 15 hits, with 14 strikeouts and just two walks.
Last season saw Mlodzinski transition from the bullpen to the starting lineup, a move that initially proved challenging. He posted a 1-4 record with a 5.67 ERA in nine starts before being sent to Triple-A Indianapolis. However, upon returning to the majors mid-season, he excelled in a relief role, boasting a 2.12 ERA to close out the year.
The Pirates' decision to shift Mlodzinski back to the rotation is a calculated risk, driven by the competition-or lack thereof-for the final spot. Veterans José Urquidy and Mike Clevinger didn't make strong cases, and rookie left-hander Hunter Barco will start in the bullpen as a long-relief option.
Mlodzinski's track record as a reliever is solid, with a career 2.71 ERA and nearly one strikeout per inning over 92 appearances. While his spring performance earned him a rotation spot, the Pirates' choice not to acquire a veteran starter in the offseason also played a significant role in this decision.
If Mlodzinski can translate his spring success into the regular season, it could be a boon for the Pirates. However, skepticism remains, given his previous struggles as a starter and the team's past decisions regarding his role. Should he falter, the Pirates have options like Barco or the veterans to fill in until Jared Jones returns from elbow surgery later in the season.
The bullpen, now without Mlodzinski, presents both promise and uncertainty. Dennis Santana steps in as the closer, with Gregory Soto providing left-handed leverage.
Isaac Mattson aims to build on his breakout year, while Justin Lawrence looks to bounce back from an injury-plagued season. Mason Montgomery brings potential with his powerful arm, and Yohan Ramírez and Urquidy round out the group.
As the Pirates aim for their first postseason appearance since 2015, Mlodzinski's performance will be under the microscope. The team isn't in a position to gamble with their playoff aspirations, so expect Mlodzinski to be on a short leash as the season unfolds.