Pittsburgh Pirates ace Gerrit Cole has returned to the team after getting his sore right elbow examined and is already playing catch.

The right-hander is determined to pitch again this season despite beginning a second stint on the 15-day disabled list Monday.

Cole said before Tuesday's game against the Chicago Cubs that it's "comforting to have confirmation that you'll be OK." Cole traveled to Los Angeles for a second opinion with a specialist, who confirmed posterior elbow inflammation.

Cole is on the DL retroactive to last Thursday, meaning he is eligible to return Sept. 9.

Cole played catch in right field with trainer Todd Tomczyk before Tuesday's game.

Cole had a 6.08 ERA in five August starts and said he alerted the team of a "level of discomfort that was concerning" after allowing five runs and seven hits in five innings last Wednesday against Houston.

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