Pirates pitcher Gerrit Cole was knocked around Monday in a loss to the Cardinals in St. Louis, dropping to 7-5 on the year. It was his first loss since July 28. The right-hander was shelled for five runs on eight hits and three walks while striking out four over 6 1/3 innings of work.

Over his first three starts back from injury covering 19 1/3 innings, Cole has permitted nine earned runs. He owns a 3.86 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP over 17 starts (105 innings). His next start will come Sunday against the Cubs in Chicago.