June 1: Pittsburgh reinstated Mlodzinski from the restricted list during Monday’s off day, reports Jason Mackey of MLB.com. The right-hander tells Mackey he did not consider a trade request and will be available to pitch out of the bullpen for tomorrow’s series opener in Houston.
“I want to do what’s best to help us win baseball games,” Mlodzinski told MLB.com. “Being around these guys, this team, it’s a pretty cool group to be a part of. Of course I want to start and will always want that, but winning games takes precedence.”
May 31: In an unexpected move, the Pirates placed right-hander Carmen Mlodzinski on the team’s restricted list today. Righty Cam Sanders was called up from Triple-A Indianapolis to take Mlodzinski’s spot on the active roster, and Pittsburgh now has an open spot on its 40-man roster.
As a reminder, players aren’t paid for any time spent on the restricted list, nor do they receive any MLB service time. Clubs usually use the restricted list for players who are suspended, or are dealing with a personal issue that keeps them away from the team for an undetermined period of time. Colin Beazley of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Mlodzinski is expected to be available on Tuesday, so it will be just a short absence for the righty.
The reasons for the placement were revealed today by Pirates GM Ben Cherington, who told Beazley and other reporters that Mlodzinski “wasn’t ready to” pitch on Sunday. “Going into the weekend, we understood and communicated with Carmen that at some point this weekend we were going to need him to be ready or we’d have to replace him on the team in fairness to the team, so that’s what happened today.”
The issue seems to stem from the Pirates’ decision to remove Mlodzinski from the rotation when Jared Jones made his return from the 60-day injured list on Friday. Jones joins Paul Skenes, Braxton Ashcraft, Mitch Keller, and Bubba Chandler in the starting five, leaving Mlodzinski as the odd man out. As Beazley noted, Mlodzinski was open about his disappointment while speaking with the media on Thursday, and Mlodzinski has been vocal in the past about preferring to work as a starting pitcher.
Mlodzinski said Thursday that he is “still communicating with the organization and the people in my corner, whether that’s my family or my agency, about what is next,” but Cherington said today that the right-hander hadn’t requested a trade. The Pirates control Mlodzinski through the 2029 season, as the right-hander won’t reach arbitration eligibility until the coming offseason.
Over 55 innings this season, Mlodzinski has posted a 3.76 ERA in 11 games — nine proper starts and two bulk-pitcher outings working behind an opener. Mlodzinski’s 8.4% walk rate is around league average but he isn’t missing many bats and he is allowing a ton of hard contact. The right-hander’s 50.9% hard-hit ball rate sits only in the second percentile of all pitchers. Still, Mlodzinski’s SIERA is only 4.21, as he has done a good job of limiting the damage of all that hard contact by allowing only three home runs.
A case can be made that Mlodzinski could’ve or should’ve retained a rotation spot over Bubba Chandler, as Chandler has struggled badly with his control while posting a 4.85 ERA across 52 innings. Since Mlodzinski has more experience as a swingman or long reliever, however, the Pirates opted to use that flexibility by moving him into a relief role, with the knowledge that Mlodzinski would likely have an easier time than Chandler in shifting back to a starting gig down the road.
It is understandable why Mlodzinski isn’t happy with the move, but his impending return on Tuesday probably means there aren’t too many hard feelings. Without much leverage in trade demands, Mlodzinski may simply have to move forward as a reliever for the time being, though obviously any number of circumstances (injuries, more struggles from Chandler, etc.) could open up a rotation spot in the future. Having a de facto sixth starter on the roster is also a good way for the Pirates to help keep the entire rotation fresh for what the team hopes will be a push towards a playoff spot.
Oh I’m so excited for everyone to say he is not team first!
It’s the definition of not being team first lol
Why should assume the issue is with him? Maybe the Pirates botched the communication? Or told him one thing and then changed their mind? All we know is he is upset and prefers losing pay to pitching right now.
Who tf is this guy that the Pirates need to treat him like some sort of star Vet, go to the pen and wait your turn, pre Madonna
Seems like he is the problem. He was awful as a starter and pouted so they gave him another look. When they tried to move him back to pen he pouted again about being a starter so they sent him down to minors to be a starter.
Now that he another pitch he has a legit reason to pout. But still even with that new pitch he needs a opener or doesn’t go deep. Doesn’t have the upside of Jones Bubba. Shown to be a effective reliever. Team desperately needs relievers. So hasn’t been and isn’t a team player.
387 .406 .613 1.019
That’s opponent’s hitting stats vs him facing him 3rd time. Stats vs him are above average 1st 2nd time but reasonable 700 something ops.
He gives up hard contact. Doesn’t strike out a lot of guys. Doesn’t get enough ground balls to make up for the lack of k.
So pretty much a reliever who can start with a opener when needed. Better as a reliever. He had his opportunity and failed. Multiple opportunities.
@Patriot After Madonna comes, does he get to start?
Is “pre Madonna” what they call you before you wear a cone-bra?
Pre Madonna 😂😂
Who’s gonna tell him, Slime? 🤣🤦🏼♂️
He is too young to be pre Madonna
*****Prima donna***** I swear auto correct out here using names these days 😂😂
If you are going to look foolish posting you’re trollish post,at least learn SPEELING. Or didn’t you learn how to spell in you’re school edjimacation?
O my apologies! I shall do penance for my crimes in the comment section of niche website on the internet lol
For the record there was no attempt at trolling, my comment was genuine. I understand why you are so upset though because it appears you and Mlodzinski both need get over yourselves.
He should look at Luis Castillo and Bryce Miller. Yeah they’re not too happy about piggybacking off of each other right now, but they got over it and have pitched well lately.
Throwing a tantrum because your team needs you elsewhere is not exactly being team first.
Six man rotation will quell that issue.
MLB PA doesn’t like six man rotations. Starting pitchers don’t like six men rotations, especially those who are competing for awards like Cy Young.
Teams don’t like doing it either, it means less turns from your ace and you’re running a man short in the bullpen.
4 man rotation. Starters throw fewer pitches innings don’t need as much rest.
Already six man rotations tried. Japan forever has had them. It’s the future. Bookmark this reply.
NPB has had them because there are only 14 teams in a 143-game schedule with much easier and quicker travel. Every Monday is a day off. It absolutely won’t be normalized in the MLB for logistical reasons even though some teams utilize a 6-man for a brief period.
Sounds like more of a reason. Just wait.
@Non Roster Invitee
You’ll be the only one waiting.
It is a rapidly evolving experiment moving to a common strategy for sometime.but it does include sacrifices.
The wait is over. Too much money.
@YankeesBC…I know I’m a day late and I’m not being argumentative whatsoever, but I agree with NonRoster on your explanation being more of a reason. The logistics part anyways. That said, before the expanded interleague play (plus more games and more hours spent on a plane/travel), I’d have said a 6 man rotation would’ve been more impactful so teams don’t see the same starter as often, but now that point is moot. My thinking is the full effort style of pitching is what will force a 6 man rotation at some point. I’m from the days where Fox (I think) used to show a fire emblem when a pitch was over 95 mph. I understand that the kids these days are stronger, faster, and have more specific training regiments but that has led to what was once considered abnormal to being the norm (95 mph). Throwing a baseball overhand is not a normal motion, nor is it good on the body. Doing it full effort for 100 pitches every 5th day over the course of the season is far worse than every 6th. Maybe you can change my mind but right now…I think 5 solid starters and a piggyback style 6th man (the way that Mlodzinski should be utilized) is far more likely going to become a norm before it goes away.
1. Teams seldom have starters go over 100 pitches now.
2. If a team employs a highly-paid ace or two, a front office does not want them missing 4-5 starts per season by employing a 6-man rotation.
3. Teams don’t want lose a relief arm (see 1.).
I do predict teams to carry more than one multi-inning reliever but not a 6-man rotation.
Carmen and Dotel have been elected for that very important job of a “long” man which in the old days meant three or four innings but now two or three.
It is a very important position because it eliminates the lesser relievers and allows the manager to go directly to his eighth and ninth inning relievers.
Carmen is bad the third time through the lineup which does not bode well for being a starter.
You can say that just about every starting pitcher the 3rd time thru the lineup they tend to get fatigued faster and become very hittable
Yes.In the year 2525.
If man is still alive… if woman can survive…
You are my favorite uncle Monkey.
Johnny Zager and Darrell Evans?
Steve Yeager and Dwight Evans?
1969 one hit wonder Zager and Evans
No! The Captain and Tennile.
Our bullpen is already shaky. Removing one more option we can go to from the bullpen further limits an already exposed Achilles heel.
Entitlement 101.
Try to be Civale when you criticize the Mlod Squad
That was an adept configuration!
Adult person blogs of all other 29 teams ought to be putting up their “best offer” for Mlodzinski, totally willing to own in when they’re wrong.
If the Pirates _are_ done with him?
Get the best available return for him
Meanwhile, the Nationals have a bunch of relievers bouncing between opening, closing, and pitching in middle or long relief, plus five guys who spent all or most of last year as starters now frequently providing bulk innings in relief either behind an opener or piggybacking another starter. All without complaint.
You mean they’re not complaining about getting to pitch in the big leagues for millions of dollars even though they don’t pitch exactly when they want to?
What are they, adults?
The Nats pitching is a mixed bag at best as far as quality goes. Cavalli is their most effective pitcher right now. Everyone else is either an expired vet or a younger pitcher trying to figure stuff out.
Yeah, Christ the Nats don’t have 5 big league starters. Miles Mikolas is lucky to be employed by a major league club. What are they going to complain for?
So he went on an angry bender and was still a little tipsy when he showed up today? Or he’s flat out refusing to pitch in relief?
Nah, just an Anthony Bender
Hurting his arb pay day being a reliever too. Injuries will probably put him back in at some point though.
What a loser. You’ve had literally 1 quality start ever.
His best isn’t much better than bubba chandler at his worst. This is an easy call.
Petulant child.
You do realize that the Pirates are 2-9 in Chandler starts and Chandler averages less than five innings per start. Chandler does lead the league in walks given up. When Mlodzinski starts, the Pirates are 6-3. He averages exactly five innings per start and two of his starts were combined shutouts. In the two games where the Pirates used an opener and the Mlodzinski, the Pirates are 2-0. So exactly how was this an easy call?
I already stated why. At his best Carmen is only able to offer 1 quality start ever.
Here is a stat his ERA in his starts last year 5 plus ERA.
ERA after moving to pen for the rest of the year 2.12.
He is excellent in relief.
Bubba projects to be an ace still and this is his rookie year. Carrying him as the 5th guy with his upside is the easy choice.
Bye bye
First the mistreatment of McCutchen and now this. How much more proof do you need to see it’s the organization and not the player that is to blame. The Pirates have treated their players like livestock.
When are you throwing this benefit for Andrew McCutheon? I want to make sure I come out to support the poor fellow suffering so terribly and I want to make a donation to him just like you.
Will you shut up?
Gonna start that GoFundMe for Cutch & his fam. I pledge $20 do I have a matching pledge from anyone here???
Slider- How exactly did they mistreat McCutcheon?
What? Cutch is done and this guy is the type who should just go to the pen.
Nutting is certainly notorious for being cheap and cutting players before they reach thresholds just to save money. The Cutch and Carmen situations aren’t that at all.
Cutch is washed. Great career, but you can’t have a 39 year old subpar hitter as your primary DH if you want to be a contender. As bad as Ozuna has been, even he’s been better than cutch in 2026.
And Carmen is a reliever. Plain and simple, and a good one to boot. He rarely gets past 5 innings. The second and third time through the order, he always gets figured out. Like the article hints at, his ERA being under 4 is a bit of luck. His starter/reliever splits are significant. Good guy to have to make a spot start or fill in for injury when needed, but not a guy who’s ever gonna get paid to be a starter, as much as he wishes that to be the case
“Proof”?
Pathetic troll gotta keep trolling, eh? Passing the time while waiting for your 3rd White Castle order to be prepared? I can almost hear the cholesterol depositing in your arteries.
Well i gotta agree with people that he has got to be team first but at the same time I know that there is also a lot of young players in the minors that are ready for the majors but teams are leaving them down because they are trying to manipulate them in having the players in all of the prime years. They gotta figure out how to get players up as soon as ready and get guys out of league that dont deserve it.
Don’t these kind of things figure itself out? If that AAA player is better than the part-time MLB vet who signs for a few million, then they would be playing instead. Do you have an example of a team regularly stashing prospects in the minors when they appear MLB-ready?
That’s already been handled, PPI has worked, look at all the young guys who broke camp
They didn’t mistreat Cutch, they didn’t want to be in a position to have to cut him like the rangers just did.
I get why he’d be upset but leaving the team (or being suspended) is not the way to handle it. If he has an option left, he’s lucky not to be sent to Indianapolis. If he’s DFAed, a team would claim him on waivers.
This guy out here acting like he has earned something, he should just go to the pen and he would be the 1st guy up if anyone goes down, ridiculous behavior.
Does it affect his MLB service time?
Yes
Who is this guy? Never heard of him before today.
You should probably figure it out before commenting then.
“As a reminder, players aren’t paid for any time spent on the restricted list, nor do they receive any MLB service time.”
I imagine Bob Nutting is fine with him taking all the time he needs.
He’s miffed at not being able to start games, which could potentially cost him millions of dollars in arbitration. Yet he’s willing to run into his room crying for a week, and lose out on his guaranteed current dollars instead of just pitching like he’s supposed to. Logic.
Trade the crybaby to the Twins or the Giants.
you play the role your team needs. thems the breaks.
Trade him to the cubs. Jed cpuld use a starter that doesnt give up a ton of HRs
Forget it. Not trading him to a division rival.
He didn’t see this coming when Jones returned?
He had plenty of time to prepare himself mentally for this day.
Just about everyone thought he would be the one moving to the bullpen since that is where he is most effective.
I guess neither him nor his agent nor anyone in his family read the sport pages?
We all feel sorry for this entitled individual that only received a $2.05 million dollar bonus to sign with the Pirates.
CMlod should be tried as closer rather than long relief. He has the stuff for it and closers get paid if they are good at it, unlike middle relievers. Soto is not the long term solution at closer, and Santana seems cooked though his last 2 games looked a little better. And CMlod can handle multiple inning saves.
I think he would be pretty happy to be a good closer. One closer got paid $95 million. That’s a lot.
Carmen you have been given a gift by God. Gift that you were born with. Athletes, musicians, actors etc. These people are born with the gift. Most people dont have this gift. Sure you played sports as a kid or in high school even college. But how many professional athletes are there.
Now you walk out on the pirates because you were taken out of the starting rotation. The pirates need a formidable middle inning relief specialist. You are made for that job. But no you throw a hissy fit. You make more money in 1 year than the average working stiff could make in 20 years. So you walk like a coward. Giving up you’re paycheck. Today in America people are struggling financially. And you act like an elite crybaby.
Wake up. You might not get another chance.
No trade request?
He needed his agent and dad to tell him it’s a team sport?