OAKLAND -- The Pirates' injured ace, catcher and veteran took another step toward their eventual returns early Friday afternoon, participating in a simulated game at Oakland Coliseum.
Right-handers Gerrit Cole (on the 15-day disabled list with a right triceps strain) and Ryan Vogelsong (on the 60-day DL while recovering from facial fractures) each threw two innings to Josh Harrison, Adam Frazier and Francisco Cervelli, who tracked pitches but did not swing as he continues to recover from hamate bone surgery.
"I thought it went very well for Gerrit. I thought it went very well for Ryan," manager Clint Hurdle said.