Pirates adjust roster as Mlodzinski moves to restricted list
General Manager Ben Cherington cites readiness concerns as the club navigates pitching rotations ahead of the road trip.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have placed right-handed pitcher Carmen Mlodzinski on the restricted list, a roster designation utilised for players who are not physically injured but require time away from the active squad. The administrative move follows Mlodzinski’s recent transition from the starting rotation to the bullpen, a shift necessitated by the reactivation of Jared Jones from the 60-day injured list.
Mlodzinski, 27, was not physically injured but requested the move as he felt unprepared for the new role. General Manager Ben Cherington stated the decision was made to ensure the team had a ready pitcher for the upcoming road trip, noting that Mlodzinski was not prepared to help the team win in that capacity at that time.
The roster adjustment coincided with other personnel changes for the club. The Pirates reinstated first baseman and outfielder Ryan O’Hearn from the 10-day injured list while placing infielder Konnor Griffin, who is dealing with a right elbow strain, on the same list. Right-handed pitcher Cam Sanders was recalled from Triple-A to fill the resulting roster spot.
MLB.com’s Aiden Stepansky reported that Mlodzinski did not request a trade and that Cherington believes he will pitch for the Pirates on the road trip ending 7 June. A source told MLB.com that Mlodzinski was honest with the team about his lack of physical and mental readiness, rather than forcing the team to play short-handed.
Mlodzinski has posted a 3.76 earned run average across 11 appearances, including nine starts, this season with a 4-3 record. The four-year veteran had been performing well in the starting rotation prior to the role change. Cherington expressed confidence that Mlodzinski would return to the mound soon, stating that the club communicated the need for readiness over the weekend.
Mlodzinski is expected to return to the mound soon, with reports indicating he is prepared to pitch in Houston on Tuesday following Monday’s off-day. The restricted list is used by Major League Baseball teams for players who are not physically injured but require time away from the active roster for other reasons, such as mental health or adjustment periods.
The move underscores the operational challenges faced by the Pirates as they manage pitching depth and roster flexibility. While Mlodzinski’s transition to the bullpen has been difficult, the club has opted for a structured approach to ensure all players are prepared for their assigned roles.
