Pirates place Cole on DL with elbow issue

The Pittsburgh Pirates will be without their ace for the foreseeable future, as they announced Monday that right-hander Gerrit Cole has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with posterior inflammation of his right elbow.

Cole had been scheduled to start for the Pirates against the Chicago Cubs Monday, but was scratched from the outing because of the issue. Steven Brault was recalled from Triple-A in a corresponding move, and will take the start in Cole's place.

General manager Neal Huntington revealed to reporters Sunday that the 25-year-old first felt discomfort in his elbow during his most recent start on Aug. 24, when he allowed five runs over five innings against Houston. Cole left the team on Sunday and flew to Los Angeles, where he was examined by elbow specialist Dr. Neal ElAttrache.

"It's been tough to find a rhythm all year," Cole said Thursday. "It just kind of feels like a whole year of catch-up."

Cole, a first-time All-Star in 2015, owns a 3.55 ERA, 1.395 WHIP, and 95 strikeouts in 20 starts for the Pirates this season. He spent a month on the DL earlier this year with a triceps injury.