Pittsburgh Pirates Place Carmen Mlodzinski on Restricted List

The Pittsburgh Pirates have made a significant roster move, announcing on Sunday, May 31, 2026, that right-handed pitcher Carmen Mlodzinski has been placed on the restricted list. The decision came just before the team’s series finale against the Minnesota Twins at PNC Park.

Understanding the Move

The restricted list is a mechanism in Major League Baseball used when a player is unavailable to the team for reasons not covered by the injured list. While on this list, a player does not count toward the 40-man roster, does not earn service time, and is not paid by the club. There is no set minimum or maximum duration for a stint on the restricted list.

General Manager Ben Cherington addressed the situation with reporters, stating, “Carmen informed us this morning that he was not ready to pitch today. So, we made the decision to place him on the restricted list for today.”

The move follows a period of transition for Mlodzinski. After spending the first two months of the 2026 season as a member of the starting rotation, the 27-year-old was moved to the bullpen following the return of Jared Jones from a right UCL injury. Mlodzinski, who maintained a 3.76 ERA as a starter this season, had been informed of the transition to a bullpen role on Wednesday.

Team Perspective and Future Outlook

Despite the sudden change in status, the organization remains focused on Mlodzinski’s eventual return. Pirates manager Don Kelly expressed confidence in the pitcher’s commitment to the team, noting, “Carmen is an elite competitor, and Carmen is going to pitch huge innings for us and is committed to helping this team win.”

Cherington echoed this sentiment, indicating that the team expects Mlodzinski to be available for their upcoming road trip scheduled for June 2–7. According to reports, the decision to place him on the list was reached after communication regarding the need for the pitcher to be ready to contribute in his new capacity.

To fill the vacancy on the active roster, the Pirates recalled right-handed pitcher Cam Sanders from Triple-A Indianapolis.

Key Takeaways

• Roster Status: Carmen Mlodzinski is currently on the restricted list and does not occupy a spot on the 40-man roster.
• Compensation: While on the restricted list, the player does not receive pay or accrue service time.
• Role Transition: The move occurred shortly after Mlodzinski was transitioned from the starting rotation to the bullpen.
• Timeline: The Pirates organization anticipates Mlodzinski’s return to active duty during the team’s next road trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Carmen Mlodzinski placed on the restricted list?
The team stated that Mlodzinski informed them he was not ready to pitch. General Manager Ben Cherington noted that the club had communicated the need for him to be prepared for his new role in the bullpen, leading to the decision to place him on the list for the series finale.

Has Mlodzinski requested a trade?
No. Reports confirm that the pitcher has not requested a trade and is expected to continue his career with the Pirates.

Who replaced Mlodzinski on the roster?
The Pirates recalled right-handed pitcher Cam Sanders from Triple-A Indianapolis to take Mlodzinski’s place on the active roster.