Carmen Mlodzinski
Breakdown
Performance
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June 5, 2026
Records four-inning save
Mlodzinski notched a save against the Astros on Thursday, allowing one run on four hits and no walks while striking out three batters over four innings.
Analysis
Mlodzinski made his first appearance since he was moved out of the rotation and subsequently had a short stay on the restricted list. The right-hander followed Jared Jones, who pitched five scoreless innings, and tossed 55 pitches (36 strikes), with the only run against him coming on an Isaac Paredes solo homer. Mlodzinski notched the second save of his career (and first since 2023), but it's unlikely that he'll be in line for many additional save opportunities. He may continue to piggyback with Jones while the latter eases up his pitch count.
June 2, 2026
Returns from restricted list
The Pirates activated Mlodzinski (personal) from the restricted list Monday, Jason Mackey of MLB.com reports.
Analysis
Mlodzinski's stay on the restricted list lasted 24 hours after he expressed frustration following his removal from the Pirates rotation following the return of Jared Jones from the injured list this past weekend. While speaking to Mackey on Monday, Mlodzinski said that he's willing to do whatever he can to help the team, and for now, he's expected to fill a key role out of the bullpen. The right-hander had uneven results as a starter and has often been hit hard this season, as he currently sits in the second-percentile of all pitchers with a hard-hit rate of 50.9 percent. The move to relief should enhance Mlodzinski's effectiveness, and the Pirates could even deploy in high-leverage spots since the back end of the bullpen has been a weak spot for the team this season.
May 31, 2026
Lands on restricted list
The Pirates placed Mlodzinksi on the restricted list Sunday.
Analysis
The official reasoning for the move hasn't been disclosed, but it's unlikely to be a coincidence that it comes just a few days after Mlodzinski was bumped from the starting rotation to the bullpen. The right-hander has a 3.76 ERA across 55 innings this season, though his 1.42 WHIP and 46:20 K:BB paint a less encouraging picture of his performance.