Pirates pitcher Gerrit Cole threw 60 pitches in a simulated game Wednesday and "was in a good place," MLB.com reports.
"There was some rust, yes, but the velocity showed up, the spin [breaking] pitches seemed to be in play and the changeup was good," manager Clint Hurdle said. "Most important is, how does he feel [Thursday]?"
Cole is first eligible to return from the disabled list Thursday, but the team will hold him out at least through the weekend. Working his way back from a shoulder issue, Cole owns a 3.64 ERA and 69:25 K:BB ratio in 76 2/3 innings.