ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Starling Marte has rejoined the team after missing two games tending to a personal matter at home in the Dominican Republic.

Marte was batting second in the Pirates’ lineup for Monday night’s game against Tampa Bay.

Also, Gerrit Cole threw 83 pitches over six innings in a simulated game. The right-hander, out since June 4 with right shoulder fatigue, could rejoin the rotation this weekend.

Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said Cole’s outing “went very well” and was a “very good next challenge.”

Second baseman Neil Walker, on the disabled list since June 9 because of an appendectomy, hit in Cole’s simulated game and is expected to be reinstated on Tuesday.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.