Cole confident he will return this season

CHICAGO — Gerrit Cole had barely heard the end of the question when he responded, leaving little doubt about his plans for the rest of the season. Will he pitch again this year?

“Yes,” he answered immediately and firmly, easing some concerns about the sore right elbow that sent him to the 15-day disabled list on Monday. The Pirates’ ace right-hander resumed playing catch at Wrigley Field on Tuesday afternoon, the start of his progression back to the mound.

“This is very encouraging news for Gerrit,” head athletic trainer Todd Tomczyk said. “He’s focused on how he’s going to help this team win some games the rest of the season.”

Cole visited Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles for a second opinion and was relieved that the diagnosis of posterior inflammation did not involve any elbow ligaments. He is eligible to return on Sept. 9, but it’s unclear exactly when he’ll be ready to start.

“I haven’t gotten that far,” Cole said. “This is something that will hopefully go quick.”

Rookie left-hander …

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