One of the best kept secrets from the first month of the season is Pittsburgh's Jared Jones. The 22-year old Jones has 32 strikeouts in 23 innings and a dynamite 0.78 WHIP. In 3 April starts, he has 23 strikeouts without issuing a single free pass. That's impressive for anyone, let alone a rookie. Now Jones can come in and play hero, when his team needs him most.

Joe Ross had a couple of decent years in 2015 and 2016 but has been nothing special ever since. He's got a 4.91 ERA and 1.64 WHIP on the season, his first since he was 5-9 in 2021. In 3 of the past 4 years that he pitched, Ross had an ERA above 5. Very hittable, in his last start Ross conceded 9 hits 6 earned runs. He's walked 8 in less than 14 innings in his 3 April starts. That's exactly the type of matchup which the Pirates need to break their losing streak. Go with the rookie over the journeyman. **NL Central GOY**