Cole (5-5) disappointed in his return to the mound Saturday, allowing five runs (four earned) on seven hits in a loss against the Nationals. He also struck out five and walked two.

EDGE Analysis

This was Cole's first start since June 10, but it wasn't nearly as successful as he would have liked. Washington had a runner in scoring position with one out in each of the first two innings. Both runners scored. Then in the fourth, an infield hit plus error helped lead to three more runs. Owners shouldn't be too concerned, though, because Cole is a guy that takes an outing or two to settle in. He is 5-5 with a 3.11 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 60 strikeouts in 72.1 innings this season. His next start will be Friday against the Phillies.

Cole (triceps) is listed as the starting pitcher for Saturday's game against the Nationals, Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

As expected, Cole will come off the DL and return to the rotation Saturday as the Pirates play their second game after the All-Star break. While on rehab at Triple-A, Cole registered 12 strikeouts across eight scoreless innings.

Cole (triceps) is scheduled to return from the DL to start the Pirates' second game after the All-Star break on Saturday in Washington, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Following a pair of rehab starts at Triple-A Indianapolis in which he struck out 12 and delivered eight scoreless frames, Cole is ready to return for the Pirates and follow Francisco Liriano in the rotation to begin the second half.

Cole (triceps) will throw a bullpen session Thursday, Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Pirates' ace will stay sharp between rehab outings by tossing a bullpen session Thursday. Cole was sharp in his first rehab outing, fanning six batters over three innings of work at Triple-A Indianapolis. He'll need at least one more rehab start in all likelihood so that he can get his pitch count up to game-level.

Cole (triceps) will start a rehab assignment Tuesday with Triple-A Indianapolis, Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

After tossing a simulated game Friday, Cole was expected to begin the assignment in short order. Assuming no setbacks in the next week or so, expect him to return to the Pirates' rotation shortly after the All-Star break.

Cole (triceps) threw a simulated game Friday and felt good, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cole threw a successful 35-pitch bullpen session Tuesday and advanced to a simulated game Friday. The flamethrower has been sidelined since early June with a triceps strain and if he can continue progressing with no setbacks, a rehab assignment should be right around the corner with a possible return to the majors after the All-Star Break.

Cole (triceps) threw a 35-pitch bullpen session Tuesday, Stephen J. Nesbitt of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

Two days after throwing his first bullpen session since landing on the DL, Cole got back onto elevated ground for more work. He incorporated all of pitches in Tuesday's session and said he felt no pain -- a positive sign that he's inching close to a rehab start. Chad Kuhl will continue filling in for Cole for the time being.

Manager Clint Hurdle indicated Sunday that Cole (triceps) will take a "step forward" by throwing off a mound, Stephen J. Nesbitt of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

It was originally believed Cole would be ready for activation from the disabled list when first eligible but the recovery process has taken longer than expected. The Pirates' ace remains without a firm timetable, but that should begin to clear up as he moves further along in the process.

Cole (triceps) will not be ready to return the first day he is activated from the disabled list, Adam Berry of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cole has begun playing catch but has not thrown off of a mound yet, so he still has some work to do in his rehab. In order to prevent further injury, it is likely that the Pirates hold their ace out until he is fully healthy. Cole will return to the top of their rotation once back and will look to build off his 2.77 ERA.

Cole (triceps) played catch Sunday and Monday, according to the Pirates' website.

EDGE Analysis

Sunday marked the first time Cole has thrown a ball since he left his June 10 start with tightness in his right triceps. Early reports suggested he might return from the disabled list after the minimum 15 days, but the Pirates haven't announced any kind of timeline, and it now seems more likely Cole will be out beyond the minimum.