OAKLAND, Calif. _ The biggest game at Oakland Alameda Coliseum began Friday when right-hander Gerrit Cole stepped on the mound and fired his first pitch. The simulated game, featuring rehabilitating right-handers Cole and Ryan Vogelsong and catcher Francisco Cervelli, was watched only by coaches and won't help the Pirates record, but it was an important step.
Cole (right triceps strain) went through a normal pregame progression and threw 45 pitches in two simulated innings, facing hitters Josh Harrison and Adam Frazier. Vogelsong (orbital fracture) threw 40 pitches. Manager Clint Hurdle said the pitchers looked "very good."
Cervelli, who had surgery June 11 to repair a left hamate fracture, stood in the batter's box and tracked pitches, not yet ready to catch or swing at full strength.
"I didn't do anything. Just sat," Cervelli joked. "It was really hard. ... (Cole and Vogelsong) looked really good. They're really healthy, which is the most important thing. The next one is me."
The Pirates expect to have another simulated game Wednesday in St. Louis. By then, Cervelli, who said he is swinging at half-strength as his hand heals, could be ready to catch at full speed.
Cole reported his arm felt "really good" after the simulated game. He wasn't throwing at 100 percent power, he said, but, "I got after it enough to know we're in a good position to move forward." Cole went on the 15-day disabled list June 11 after leaving his start after two innings.
The Pirates have not yet revealed their plan for Cole's return to game action. He will be sent on a rehabilitation assignment to Class AAA Indianapolis before being thrust back in the rotation. In the meantime, Cole's spot in the Pirates rotation has been filled by rookie right-hander Chad Kuhl, who will start Saturday in the second game of a three-game series against the Athletics.
"So far, (rehab) has gone really well," Cole said. "I think we gave it enough time at the beginning. To be able to get back into the swing of things and throw normally and not have to worry about anything has been a big help, in terms of mechanics.
"We've been able to stay on schedule, which is moving relatively quick."
Veteran Vogelsong, 38, has recovered quickly from a hit by pitch that broke three bones in his face May 23.
He was cleared by Dr. Randall Beatty at Allegheny General Hospital to resume full baseball activity earlier this week and now is building up his arm. Vogelsong will be eligible to come off the 60-day disabled list July 23.
"He's dealt with a lot of different challenges throughout his career," Hurdle said. "He's got a history of getting things done on a different time line than people think. ... He's obviously itching to get back and help us. He's got an inner fire that's special."
Cole, Cervelli and Vogelsong likely are to participate in the next simulated game in St. Louis.
