Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Gerrit Cole was placed on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday due to a triceps injury. It is uncertain when he will return to action.
Continue for updates.
Cole to DL, Taillon Called Up
Tuesday, June 14
Adam Berry of MLB.com reported touted prospect Jameson Taillon will take Cole's place in the rotation. Cole, 25, lasted only two innings in a June 10 start against the St. Louis Cardinals due to a triceps injury. The results of an MRI have not been disclosed.
Cole Comments on Injury
Tuesday, June 14
"I'm all right," Cole told reporters. "I'll be fine."
Cole's Injury Will Be Major Blow to Pirates Rotation
The 25-year-old right-hander emerged as one of the top pitchers in the National League in 2015. He posted a 2.60 ERA and struck out 202 batters in 208 innings as part of his breakout campaign. So it's no surprise Pittsburgh's hopes this season are heavily dependent on him.
On the injury front, Cole was limited to just 22 starts in 2014 due to shoulder and lat issues. He bounced back nicely last season as he made 32 appearances for the Buccos. This year, he dealt with a rib cage problem during spring training but returned for the second series of the regular season.
A much bigger burden will fall on the shoulders of Francisco Liriano to lead the starting staff. It could also lead to more important outings for Juan Nicasio and Jeff Locke as the team is forced to reshuffle the rotation.
Ultimately, the Pirates will struggle to replicate Cole's production and the staff as a whole could battle inconsistency without him providing stability every fifth day.
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