Cole's next start will come Sunday against the Royals, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Astros originally were going to push Cole's start back a day due to Thursday's off day, but instead will hand him the ball for Sunday's series finale against Kansas City. He swaps with Justin Verlander, who will take the mound Monday against the Blue Jays.

Cole will make his next start Monday against the Blue Jays, Jake Kaplan of The Athletic Houston reports.

EDGE Analysis

With Houston off the schedule Thursday, the Astros have opted to push Cole's next start back by a day to give the right-hander some extra rest while keeping Justin Verlander -- who will start in Cole's place Sunday -- on regular rest. Cole, who owns a 2.59 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and 138:30 K:BB across 15 starts (100.2 innings) this season, will now be afforded six days of rest before his next outing.

Cole didn't factor into the decision during Sunday's loss to the Indians as he gave up three runs on four hits and two walks while striking out eight across seven innings.

EDGE Analysis

Cole gave up a two-run home run to Jose Ramirez in the bottom of the first, but he calmed down to give Houston seven solid innings in what turned out to be a losing effort. The 27-year-old right-hander has been putting together a solid season, posting a 2.05 ERA and 0.83 WHIP with 109 strikeouts over 74.2 innings. He figures to make his 12th start of the season Friday against the Red Sox.

Cole (5-1) struck out eight and walked three in Tuesday's win over the Giants, allowing two runs on four hits in six innings.

EDGE Analysis

The only runs Cole allowed came from a two-run homer by Brandon Crawford in the fifth. The right-hander was otherwise very effective, although he did need 106 pitches (67 for strikes) to get through six innings. Cole now has a ridiculous 101:17 K:BB in 67.2 innings, and his 0.83 WHIP and .169 batting average against are both good for second in the majors. His next start will be in Cleveland for a matchup with the Indians.

Cole struck out seven and walked two in a no-decision against the Angels on Tuesday, allowing three runs on five hits in five innings.

EDGE Analysis

For the first time this year, Cole didn't make it into the sixth inning. He was done in by a couple home runs and walks that stretched his pitch-count to 98 by the end of five. Despite the short outing, Cole still leads all MLB pitchers with 93 strikeouts, and his .166 batting average against trails only his teammate Justin Verlander for best in the majors. He will take on the Giants at home in his next start.

Cole (4-1) picked up the win Wednesday, pitching six innings with nine strikeouts while allowing one run on four hits and three walks against the Athletics.

EDGE Analysis

Cole was dominant once again, throwing first-pitch strikes to 16 of the 24 batters he faced while inducing 17 swinging strikes. He's now thrown a quality start in all eight starts since joining the Astros, sporting an elite 13.7 K/9 and 1.43 ERA in the process. While it seems unlikely he'll be able to sustain those numbers over the course of a full season, Cole had a .250 BABIP against and 1.54 FIP entering Wednesday's start, so there's no sign that he's overly benefitting from good luck. He'll next take on the Angels on Tuesday.

Cole allowed three earned runs on six hits while walking none and striking out 12 across 6.2 innings Sunday against the Athletics. He did not factor into the decision.

EDGE Analysis

Cole continued to look unhittable for much of his start, generating 22 swinging strikes on 99 pitches. He did allow three doubles, two of which led directly to runs and the last putting the then tying run on base, preventing him from earning the win. Pointing out those few flaws is nitpicking what has been a masterful stretch of six starts to begin the season for Cole, as he is maintaining a 1.73 ERA, .79 WHIP and has recorded 61 strikeouts in 41.2 innings pitched.

Cole (2-1) held the Angels to just two runs on four hits and two walks with eight strikeouts through seven innings Monday night but was stuck with his first loss.

EDGE Analysis

For the fifth time in a row, Cole completed the seventh, and he has still yet to allow more than two runs or five hits in a start. This, though, marked the first time the Astros failed to support him well enough to at least leave him with a no-decision. Cole induced 14 swinging strikeouts in 109 pitches as he increased his strikeout total to just 49 over 35 innings of work. His 1.28 ERa is supported by a fantastic 6.1 K/BB.

Cole (2-0) allowed just one unearned run on five hits and two walks with five strikeouts through seven innings to pick up the win Wednesday over the Mariners.

EDGE Analysis

For the first time all season, Cole didn't reach double-digit strikeouts, but it didn't stop him from going seven strong innings for the fourth time in a row. Cole has also yet to allow more than five hits or two runs in any start. The 27-year-old is looking like a steal of an acquisition for the Astros, as he has delivered nothing but ace-level performances to start his Houston career.

Cole (1-0) had to settle for a no-decision in Friday's 3-2 win over the Rangers, giving up two runs on three hits and a walk over seven innings while striking out a career-high 14.

EDGE Analysis

That's now three straight games with double-digit strikeouts to begin the season for Cole, who seems reborn in Houston. Cy Young Awards aren't won or lost in April, but a 36:4 K:BB through 21 innings is putting the 27-year-old on a very impressive trajectory. Cole will make his next start Wednesday in Seattle.