![\"Carmen](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Mlodzinski-1120x630.jpg\")
Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Carmen Mlodzinski throws against the Detroit Tigers in the sixth inning during a baseball game, Tuesday, June 17, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo\/Paul Sancya)\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPittsburgh Pirates pitcher Carmen Mlodzinski throws against the Detroit Tigers in the sixth inning during a baseball game, Tuesday, June 17, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo\/Paul Sancya)\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
This is one in a series breaking down players on the Pittsburgh Pirates\u2019 40-man roster.<\/p>\n
Carmen Mlodzinski proved to be a very effective relief pitcher with the Pirates during his first two seasons in the big leagues. In 75 appearances between the 2023-24 seasons, he went 8-8 with a 2.91 ERA and recorded the first and only save of his career.<\/p>\n
His success out of the bullpen made a Pirates\u2019 decision at the start of the season so curious. Despite not having worked as a full-time starting pitcher since 2022 with Double-A Altoona, it was revealed that Mlodzinski would be utilized as a stretched out as a starting pitcher during spring training.<\/p>\n
Mlodzinski did in fact begin the season as a starting pitcher, and the plan didn\u2019t work out the way the Pirates had hoped, but one that many envisioned.<\/p>\n
In nine starts to begin the season, Mlodzinski went 1-4 with a 5.67 ERA. In 39.2 innings, he allowed 52 hits, walked 12 and struck out 28. <\/p>\n
The Pirates optioned Mlodzinski to Triple-A Indianapolis on May 21, and once he was recalled the following month, he returned to his more familiar role as a relief pitcher.<\/p>\n
Although he made a couple spot starts down the stretch, Mlodzinski was used almost exclusively used as a relief pitcher once again and found success. In 22 appearances out of the bullpen for the Pirates this past season, the 26-year-old had a 2.15 ERA and held opponents to a .625 OPS. In 50.1 innings, he yielded 44 hits, walked 11 and punched out 53.<\/p>\n
For the sake of comparison, he had a 4.99 ERA in 12 starts and opponents hit .293 with a .788 OPS against him. <\/p>\n
Looking ahead to 2026, the Pirates have enough starting pitching depth to allow Mlodzinski to be a relief pitcher. It\u2019s the role he\u2019s been the most effective in and it\u2019s the role he should continue to be in moving forward.<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMentioned in this article: Carmen Mlodzinski<\/a> Pittsburgh Pirates<\/a> <\/p>\n