PHILADELPHIA _ The headliner in a flurry of Pirates roster moves Tuesday was the official shutdown of right-hander Gerrit Cole. The 26-year-old pitcher will not pitch again in 2016, sidelined by posterior elbow inflammation. He had a 3.88 ERA over 116 innings in 21 starts.
Cole will finish the season on the 60-day disabled list, his third trip to the DL this season. He injured his ribcage before spring training, strained his right triceps in June and first felt elbow discomfort in August. He sat out for two weeks, then allowed five runs in two innings Monday.
"I'm disappointed," Cole said. "There's just not enough time to recover. I'm disappointed I'm not out there to help the team. That's the one thing I've been fighting for all year. ...
"It's unfortunate we ran out of time."
The Pirates made several other moves on the periphery of their roster.
Catcher Chris Stewart was placed on the 60-day disabled list with left knee discomfort. He will visit Dr. James Andrews on Monday and said they are leaning toward surgery to correct his ailing knee. Catcher Jacob Stallings' contract was selected from Class AAA Indianapolis.
Second baseman Josh Harrison will go on the 60-day disabled list with a groin strain.
The Pirates acquired left-hander Wade LeBlanc from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for cash or a player to be named. LeBlanc, 32, is an option to help the Pirates in a starting or relief role for the remainder of the season. He had a 4.50 ERA in 11 appearances with Seattle this season.
Left-hander Zach Phillips, acquired from the Baltimore Orioles last month in a trade for lefty Kyle Lobstein, also will join the Pirates. He had a 4.35 ERA over 62 innings at Class AAA this season but has not pitched in the majors since 2013.
