WASHINGTON — The Washington Nationals placed closer Jonathan Papelbon on the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday with a right intercostal strain and reinstated reliever Matt Belisle following a rehabilitation assignment.

Manager Dusty Baker said Papelbon injured a muscle between his ribs while the right-hander was warming up Sunday, when he pitched one inning against the Philadelphia Phillies. He allowed a go-ahead home run to former teammate Maikel Franco before Washington rallied for a 5-4 win.

“I just threw a pitch and felt something,” Papelbon said.

Baker said before Tuesday night’s game against the Chicago Cubs that he didn’t have a timetable for Papelbon’s return and hadn’t decided how he’ll handle the ninth inning in his absence.

PIRATES: Gerrit Cole was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right triceps, leaving slumping Pittsburgh without its ace.

Touted prospect Jameson Taillon was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis to take Cole’s spot in the rotation. Taillon made his second major league start Tuesday night against the New York Mets.

Cole left his start early Friday against the Cardinals because of triceps tightness, and it’s unclear how long he’s expected to be out.

REDS: The Reds recalled right-hander J.J. Hoover and infielder/outfielder Jose Peraza from Triple-A Louisville.

The Reds placed infielder Jordan Pacheco on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to June 3, and optioned right-hander Daniel Wright to Louisville.

YANKEES: Ike Davis joined the Yankees in Colorado for the start of a two-game series against the Rockies. The first baseman wasn’t in the starting lineup for Tuesday’s game, but Manager Joe Girardi says he’s going to get plenty of action.

Davis’ arrival was necessary after four first basemen were lost to injuries. Mark Teixeira, Greg Bird, Dustin Ackley and Chris Parmelee are all on the disabled list.

Davis had hip surgery last September and endured a long rehab process.

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