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.