The Pittsburgh Pirates are gearing up for Spring Training with some exciting news regarding their pitching lineup. Manager Derek Shelton has announced that Carmen Mlodzinski will take the mound as the starter for their Grapefruit League opener against the Baltimore Orioles on February 22. Mlodzinski, a right-handed pitcher, demonstrated promise last season with a 5-5 record, 3.91 ERA, and impressive strikeout rate in 50.2 innings. After battling injuries early in his career, including elbow inflammation and a shoulder strain, Mlodzinski has shown resilience and growth on the field.

Drafted by the Pirates in 2020, Mlodzinski made his MLB debut in June 2023, showcasing potential with a solid rookie season. After a brief stint on the injured list, he made a comeback, indicating his readiness for the upcoming season. As Spring Training begins, all eyes will be on Mlodzinski to see if he can secure a strong position in the Pirates' pitching rotation.