Pittsburgh Pirates activate Gerrit Cole from DL

The Pittsburgh Pirates activated right-handed pitcher Gerrit Cole from the 15-day disabled list Saturday.

Pittsburgh reinstated Cole after completing a minor league rehab assignment. He was on the disabled list since June 11 with a right triceps strain.

Cole will start Saturday's game against the Washington Nationals. He allowed no runs and four hits with 12 strikeouts and no walks in eight innings over two rehab starts with Triple-A Indianapolis.

To make room for Cole on the 25-man active roster, the Pirates optioned first baseman Josh Bell to Indianapolis. Bell made the most of his four games by going 2-for-2 with a home run and four RBIs. He also walked twice and scored three runs.

Cole entered Saturday's start at 5-4 with a 2.77 ERA in 68 1/3 innings this season.