The week ahead: Pirates visit Tigers, host Rangers

Here’s a look at next week’s Pirates schedule:

At Tigers

6:40 p.m. Tuesday (SN PIT)

6:40 p.m Wednesday (SN PIT)

1:10 p.m. Thursday (SN PIT)

• Tigers right-handed rookie pitcher Jackson Jobe had gotten off to a strong start this season, posting a 4-1 record and 4.22 ERA through 10 starts, with 39 strikeouts and 27 walks in 49 innings. But on Thursday, unfortunate news surfaced for the 22-year-old: He needs Tommy John surgery. The injury initially was diagnosed as a grade one flexor strain in his throwing arm, but now his season is over, and his availability for 2026 is in question. Jobe was selected by Detroit third overall in 2021 out of high school. He made his MLB debut Sept. 25, 2024, pitching in relief.

vs. Rangers

6:40 p.m. Friday (SN PIT)

4:05 p.m. Saturday (SN PIT)

1:35 p.m. Sunday (SN PIT)

• Veteran closer Craig Kimbrel, who has 440 saves over his 16-year MLB career, was signed by Texas on Wednesday to a minor-league deal. That contract came shortly after Kimbrel was designated for assignment by the Braves, for whom he made just one appearance and also spent the first five years of his career (2010-14). Kimbrel was named to the All-Star Game for the ninth time in his career in 2023, pitching for the Phillies, but in 2024, he struggled with the Orioles, posting a 5.33 ERA before being designated for assignment in late September. The 2011 NL Rookie of the Year, Kimbrel owns a career 2.59 ERA in 838 MLB games.