Cole leaves game with triceps tightness

Pittsburgh Pirates starter Gerrit Cole left Friday's contest early against the St. Louis Cardinals in the third inning with right triceps tightness, the club announced.

He will be re-examined Saturday.

After giving up a single to Matt Carpenter in the inning on five pitches, Cole was attended to by manager Clint Hurdle and athletic trainer Todd Tomczyk on the mound. Following a quick discussion between the three, Cole was removed from the game and replaced by A.J. Schugel.

Cole had allowed just two hits and struck out three before being taken out of the game.