Pittsburgh Pirates might put Gerrit Cole in the bullpen during September

While the Pittsburgh Pirates are in the midst of a pennant race that could see them make their first postseason appearance since 1992 (!!), they certainly don’t want to mortgage their future by overextending starting pitcher Gerrit Cole.

The rookie (essentially) arm isn’t going to be shut down by the Pirates, but they have stated they’re watching him closely and will either remove him from starts early or potentially skip his spot in the rotation simply to get him more rest. They also might be moving him to the bullpen in the near future.

Speaking to the Pittsburgh Post, manager Clint Hurdle said it’s possible Cole will be moved to the pen for the last month of the season and could stay in that role if the Bucs make the postseason:

"As the Pirates eye the postseason, there is a distinct possibility they will move Cole — their No. 5 starter — into the bullpen in September and October.“Possibly later,” manager Clint Hurdle said when asked if Cole might move to the bullpen this season.Teams do not need a five-man rotation in the postseason because of the multiple days off that arise in a series. And Cole likely will not claim one of those few spots from Francisco Liriano, A.J. Burnett, Jeff Locke and, if healthy, Wandy Rodriguez.Cole said he was “open” to the idea of moving to the bullpen should the Pirates make the postseason. He just wants a chance to contribute.Hurdle said the Pirates have yet to discuss the topic at length.“That’s really a conversation that doesn’t really have any legs at this time whatsoever,” he said. “It’s more of a thought that’s popped over a couple heads, but there hasn’t been any lengthy conversation.”"