Pirates' ace Cole plays catch day after beginning DL stint (Yahoo Sports)

Pittsburgh Pirates ace Gerrit Cole has returned to the team after getting his sore right elbow examined and is already playing catch. Cole said before Tuesday's game against the Chicago Cubs that it's ''comforting to have confirmation that you'll be OK.'' Cole traveled to Los Angeles for a second opinion with a specialist, who confirmed posterior elbow inflammation. Cole is on the DL retroactive to last Thursday, meaning he is eligible to return Sept. 9.