PITTSBURGH -- Gerrit Cole was throwing in left field Monday morning, winding up and delivering pitches to a bullpen catcher crouched along the foul line. Just behind the catcher stood Pirates pitching coach Ray Searage and head athletic trainer Todd Tomczyk, a radar gun in his right hand.
With Cole and right-hander Ryan Vogelsong working their way back from injuries, the Pirates are trying out a different pitchers' rehab program for the first time, one involving more pitching and less throwing.
The difference may not seem obvious to most casual observers, but Tomczyk's idea -- something he saw implemented during his time with the Dodgers -- is drawing rave reviews from those involved.