Gerrit Cole was removed from Friday's start against the Phillies after five innings due to soreness in his right lat. Cole had fired five shutout innings before departing, having allowed just one hit and a walk while punching out five. He will receive treatment on Friday before being re-evaluated on Saturday.

Gerrit Cole surrendered five earned runs in four innings Saturday in a loss to the Mets. It was his first start since landing on the disabled list June 4 due to shoulder fatigue and he did not look sharp, yielding seven hits and four walks. Cole's velocity seemed fine, but the Mets' hitters were far from fooled. The 23-year-old right-hander will hope for better results in his next outing at home against the Phillies.

Pirates activated RHP Gerrit Cole from the 15-day disabled list. He will rejoin the Bucs rotation on Saturday against the Mets. Before hitting the shelf with the shoulder injury, he posted a 3.64 ERA and fanned 69 in his first 76 2/3 innings.

Gerrit Cole (shoulder) will rejoin the Pirates' rotation on Saturday against the Mets. Cole felt fine Tuesday, one day after a successful six-inning, 84-pitch simulated game, clearing the way for him to take the ball over the weekend. The big right-hander should be able to get his pitch count up to around 100 Saturday. Cole holds a 3.64 ERA with 69 strikeouts over 76 2/3 innings this season.

Gerrit Cole (shoulder) threw a successful six-inning, 84-pitch simulated game on Monday. "I thought it went very well," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. "The volume of work -- six ups, 84 pitches. Threw his two-seamer, his four-seamer, his curveball -- probably more than his slider -- his changeup was good, the finish to his fastball was firm and solid. We'll see how he feels tomorrow, but I thought it was a very good next challenge that, from at least the perspective of today, he was able to meet and do well with." Cole is in line to rejoin the Pirates' rotation on Saturday against the Mets, though Hurdle won't officially name him the starter for that day until he sees how the righty's shoulder recovers from Monday's simulated game.

Gerrit Cole (shoulder) is on track to return June 28. Cole threw about 60 pitches in a simulated game Wednesday and will throw another sim game on Monday. The young right-hander -- who has been out since June 4 because of shoulder fatigue -- will apparently skip a minor league rehab assignment. He had a 3.64 ERA and 69 strikeouts in 76 2/3 innings before being shut down.

Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said Saturday that Gerrit Cole (shoulder) could rejoin the rotation shortly after he's first eligible to return on Thursday. "If everything stays the way it is, we could have him back a few days after that," Hurdle said. Cole will throw a bullpen session Sunday and then could follow it up with a simulated game Wednesday if the 'pen session goes well. The righty has been going through static-hold strength exercises in addition to his recent throwing and is feeling much better.

Gerrit Cole (shoulder) is scheduled to throw a side session on Sunday. Cole threw around 20 pitches in a successful bullpen session on Thursday and continues to progress in his recovery from shoulder fatigue. He's expected to rejoin the Pirates rotation in late June.

Gerrit Cole (shoulder) threw a bullpen session Thursday. Cole, sidelined since June 4 with right shoulder fatigue, threw around 20 fastballs and said it went "fine." The hope is that the young right-hander will be ready to return by the end of the month.

Gerrit Cole (shoulder) played catch on flat ground from a distance of 90 feet on Wednesday afternoon. The workout went smoothly, and he is aiming to step back atop a mound on Friday. Cole has been on the disabled list since June 4 with right shoulder fatigue. The hope is that he'll be ready by the end of this month.