Cole, who has allowed 23 earned runs in his last 19.1 innings, doesn't have an explanation for his recent ineffectiveness. "As of right now, I don't have anything for you," Cole told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "I haven't really gone through something like this before but that's certainly the furthest thing from an excuse. I've got to turn it around."

EDGE Analysis

Opponents are batting .411 against Cole over his last four starts, aided by a .437 BABIP. The righty began 2017 with a 2.84 ERA in 57 innings, making his struggles even more bewildering. It's possible that trade rumors are affecting his game, but it's more likely he's simply not executing his pitches.