Cole allowed three runs -- two earned -- on five hits and a walk while striking out seven hitters over six innings during Monday's loss to Cincinnati.

EDGE Analysis

Cole has now allowed two earned runs or fewer in each of his past four outings for a 2.16 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 10.1 K/9. Unfortunately, it's translated into just a single win. However, if the righty continues to pitch this well, the victories will follow. Cole sets up for his second start of the week against Milwaukee this weekend.

Cole will be looking for his first career win in Cincinnati on Monday, where he is 0-3 in five starts with a 4.55 ERA and 1.41 WHIP in 27.1 innings.

EDGE Analysis

After an injury-riddled 2016, Cole is off to a strong rebound campaign. His fastball velocity (96.3 mph) is at a career high and his year-over-year walk rate is down from 2.79 BB/9 to 1.80 BB/9. Cole has also become more confident throwing changeups, increasing his usage rate from 5.4 percent to 13.1 percent. Great American Ballpark represents a personal challenge for the righty, but he's throwing well after struggling last season.

Cole (1-3) gave up just an unearned run on two hits over seven brilliant innings Tuesday, only to get stuck with a loss to the Cubs. He struck out eight without a walk.

EDGE Analysis

Unfortunately for him and the Pirates, Cubs starter Kyle Hendricks combined with three relievers to pitch a shutout on the other end. Cole did his work with brutal efficiency, throwing just 78 pitches. The only blemish on his day came in the second inning, when Cole gave up a double to Addison Russell, then Alen Hanson's throwing error let him come around to score. Otherwise, he was nearly perfect against the extremely dangerous Cubs lineup, which just goes to show you the upside Cole brings to the table in fantasy. The 26-year-old got off to a bit of a slow start, but he went a long way toward normalizing his stats in this one.

Cole (1-2) allowed two runs on six hits and two walks while striking out eight batters over six innings during Wednesday's loss to St. Louis.

EDGE Analysis

Since allowing five runs over five innings to Boston during his season debut, Cole has settled in and provided serviceable numbers. He's allowed seven runs through 18 innings with 17 punchouts over his past three starts, but has only been able to pick up a single win. He'll look to even his record against the Cubs on Monday, and Cole also lines up to make a second start next week against Miami.

Cole (1-1) earned his first win of the season Friday against the Cubs, allowing two runs on six hits and one walk across six innings. He struck out five.

EDGE Analysis

Cole did well to scatter baserunners for the most part and was able to limit the damage when the hosts were able to string hits together in the fourth and fifth innings. The 26-year-old can take a few positives from his third start of the season in addition to the victory -- his 114 pitches and five punchouts were both season highs while the six hits allowed were a season low. Cole still sports an unsightly 5.29 ERA after a rough beginning to the year but seems to be trending in the right direction ahead of Wednesday's outing against the Cardinals.

Cole (0-1) went three innings in a no-decision Sunday against the Braves, allowing three runs on eight hits and two walks with four strikeouts.

EDGE Analysis

Cole allowed a pair of runs in the first inning on a home run which was followed by a couple more base hits, but he settled down an cruised into the sixth before allowing a solo shot to Freddie Freeman. He threw strikes at a 68 percent clip and did well to scatter baserunners for the most part, but a lack of early offense by the Pirates lineup cost him any shot he had to pick up a win. There is still room for improvement, but this outing was markedly better than Cole's season debut and he will look to carry it over to Friday's start against the Cubs.

Cole is now scheduled to start Sunday's game against the Braves, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

There was some speculation that the Pirates' ace would get the ball Saturday in order to keep him on a regular five-day schedule, but the Pirates have opted instead to give Tyler Glasnow his first start of the season on that day. This bumps Cole to Sunday, which thankfully keeps him on tap for a two-start week.

Cole battled through five innings, surrendering five runs on seven hits and a walk while striking out two in Monday's loss to the Red Sox on Opening Day.

EDGE Analysis

Drawing Boston on the road to open the season is about as unlucky as a pitcher can get, but Cole put forth a decent effort Monday. He went toe-to-toe with the AL's reigning Cy Young Award winner, Rick Porcello, early in the game by facing just one over the minimum through four innings. Unfortunately for Cole, it was only a matter of time before MLB's top offense from a year ago caught up and basted the right-hander, who allowed all five of his runs in the fifth frame. The Pirates' ace is slated for a more favorable matchup in his next start Saturday at home against the Braves.

Cole threw 98 pitches over seven innings in a minor-league game Friday, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. "We're very satisfied with his work," manager Clint Hurdle said.

EDGE Analysis

He retired nine batters on three pitches or fewer and faced only three three-ball counts. Cole is coming off his worst professional season and three trips to the disabled list: so far he's off to a good (and healthy) start.

Cole gave up one run in five innings Sunday, allowing five hits and no walks while striking out five.

EDGE Analysis

He's only made two official appearances this spring but threw three shutout innings against the Dominican Republic WBC squad. Perhaps more importantly, Cole appears healthy after three trips to the DL in 2016. He touched 97 mph during his Sunday outing and will start for the Bucs in Boston on April 3 in the season opener.