Cole is throwing without restrictions, the Pittsburgh Tribune's Rob Biertempfel reports.

EDGE Analysis

After throwing a 20-pitch bullpen session earlier in the week, it seems clear that the issue with his ribs that slowed him earlier in camp is no longer holding Cole back. He remains a viable SP1 in mixed leagues and should take the ball on Opening Day for the contending Pirates.

Cole (ribs) through 20 pitches during a bullpen session Monday, Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cole has been slowed a bit early by his rib injury, but with him able to get up on a mound Monday, his preparation for the regular season appears to be on track. He has not been announced as the Pirates' Opening Day starter, but he is the clear favorite to earn the nod if he is healthy.

Cole (ribs) declined to answer about whether he would be ready for Opening Day on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

The injury is considered to be minor, but it's never good news when a pitcher reveals an injury during the first day of camp. "It's a modified throwing program at this point," Cole said of his injury. "I'm not too far behind everybody else. I feel good. I'm just trying to execute the throwing program right now and will throw off the mound early next week." Cole went on the disabled twice in 2014 with a lat strain and shoulder fatigue but stayed healthy last season.

Cole has been dealing with right rib inflammation and is limited to throwing on flat ground for now, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

It sounds like any missed time will come only during spring training, so worries surrounding Cole should be minor as of now. It will be worth checking on in the future though, considering the possible reward Cole can bring after a breakout year in 2015 with 19 wins and a 2.60 ERA in 208 innings.

Cole was tagged for four runs on six hits over five innings while striking out four and walking one in a losing effort against the Cubs on Wednesday night.

EDGE Analysis

Dexter Fowler and Kyle Schwarber did all of the damage, going a combined 5-for-7 and working in tandem to plate all four runs on a pair of homers and an RBI single from Schwarber in the top of the first inning. The outing pushed Cole's career postseason ERA to 3.94 through three starts (16 innings). Cole's 2015 campaign was his best as a big leaguer, however, as he reached the 200 strikeouts milestone for the first time, and posted a 2.60 ERA while racking up 208 innings over 32 starts for the Bucs.

Cole holds a career 7-1 mark with a 2.55 ERA and 1.10 WHIP in 56.1 innings against the Cubs.

EDGE Analysis

He's gone 2-1 with a 13:1 K:BB ratio and 1.50 ERA in 12 innings versus Chicago with umpire Jeff Nelson -- who will call balls and strikes Wednesday -- behind the plate. By contrast, mound opponent Jake Arrieta has never pitched with Nelson serving as the home plate umpire. Nelson calls more strikes on pitches outside the strike zone and fewer balls inside the zone than does the average major league umpire. As a result, look for an even tighter pitching matchup.

Cole has been confirmed as the Pirates' starter for the one-game wild-card playoff Wednesday against the Cubs, Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

The results of Sunday's games will determine if Cole pitches that game at PNC Park or Wrigley Field. The Pirates' decision to tab Cole for Wednesday's start was widely anticipated, as he's been the team's unquestioned ace this season with a 2.60 ERA and 1.09 WHIP over 208 innings. Chicago is expected to counter Wednesday with their own ace, NL Cy Young contender Jake Arrieta.

Cole (19-8) struck out only two over his seven innings Wednesday afternoon, but limited the Cardinals to two runs on seven hits in a winning effort.

EDGE Analysis

Cole got Wednesday's doubleheader started off in a big way, but he unfortunately won't get a chance to go for his 20th win of the year, as this was his last start of the regular season. This was the third time in four starts that he didn't walk a batter, and the Pirates will hope he can maintain that impressive form when he starts the NL wild-card game against the Cubs next week.

Cole won his 18th game Friday afternoon, allowing one run on four hits, walking two and striking out eight over seven innings of 3-2 win against the Cubs.

EDGE Analysis

Cole (18-8, 2.60 ERA) continues his spectacular season. His WHIP dropped a bit (now 1.09) and he hit the 200 strikeout mark (in 201 innings) with his eighth punchout. The Pirates have good pitching, with more talent on the way, but Cole is clearly the ace they were looking for when they drafted him first overall in 2011.

Cole earned his 17th win of the season Sunday against the Dodgers, striking out nine while allowing three runs on six hits and no walks.

EDGE Analysis

More good news for Cole's owners - because of how the Pirates aligned their rotation after Monday's doubleheader, Cole gets to miss out on the four-game series in Coors Field beginning on Monday.