The Pirates came into Spring Training open to testing Carmen Mlodzinski as a starter after he spent the past two seasons in the bullpen. Injuries in the rotation — most notably Jared Jones with a right UCL sprain and Johan Oviedo halting his rehab due to a lat issue — made it more of a necessity than an experiment.
Now, nine starts in, the question is whether this role truly suits him. It was always meant to be a developmental phase, and for now, both Mlodzinski and the Pirates are still in that process.
Saturday offered a harsh reminder of that. Following his most impressive start yet — 5 2/3 scoreless innings against the Braves — Mlodzinski delivered his shortest outing of the year, lasting only 3 1/3 innings and giving up four runs to the Phillies, who won 5-2 at Citizens Bank Park.
Throughout the season, Mlodzinski has generally been limited to facing the order twice. Saturday marked the third time in four starts that he was pulled after exactly 18 batters. When he’s at his best, he’s aggressive, limits walks, avoids deep counts, and generates swings and misses. But against the Phillies, his pitch count climbed quickly, at-bats dragged on, and their left-handed hitters took advantage of his four-seam fastball, tagging him for seven hits and a walk while he managed just two strikeouts.
“I didn’t pitch to my strengths,” Mlodzinski admitted. “When I struggle, I’m pitching more to hitters’ weaknesses and wasting pitches. The games I succeed in are when I stick to my strengths — that’s what’s allowed me to compete at this level.”
There have been encouraging moments in his first stint as a Major League starter, but overall, the results haven’t been favorable. His 5.67 ERA is well above the rest of the rotation, and although his 4.32 FIP offers a slightly better picture, his 5.20 expected ERA, per Baseball Savant, suggests his current results are warranted.
After strong bullpen performances in 2023 and 2024, this stretch was his chance to prove he could handle a starting role. So far, he’s shown better results in shorter outings. Most of his struggles have come during second or third trips through the lineup. He’s allowed just one run in the first two innings of his starts, but has surrendered 24 earned runs over the remaining 21 2/3 innings pitched from the third inning onward.
“He’s still figuring things out,” said manager Don Kelly. “He’s learning how to manage his effort, work in the off-speed pitches, and find consistency.”
Mlodzinski is aware that he has to work through these growing pains on the job. Saturday’s performance was a clear signal that he needs to stick to what works best for him rather than focusing solely on hitters’ weaknesses.
“I’m always open to making adjustments,” Mlodzinski said. “That’s one of the biggest parts of the game — adapting. Right now, I’m trying to understand what separates my good outings from the poor ones.”
“I believe I have the stuff to succeed,” he added. “Now it’s just about learning how to use it more effectively.”
Some might argue the Pirates should consider promoting a starter from Triple-A Indianapolis instead. Options include Mike Burrows, Braxton Ashcraft, Thomas Harrington, and top prospect Bubba Chandler.
But that change doesn’t seem imminent.
“He’s had some good outings and some tough ones,” Kelly said. “We’re continuing to help him grow. If a change is discussed later, that’ll be a broader conversation.”
