Date | News | Comment |
May 5 2025 | Cole (elbow) said that he plans to begin a throwing program in August, Pete Caldera of The Bergen Record reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole spoke to the media Monday for the first time since March, when he underwent UCL reconstructive surgery on his right elbow. The procedure included an internal brace, which he had removed two and a half weeks ago, per Jorge Castillo of ESPN.com. The 34-year-old will resume throwing six months post-surgery, but it's not clear if he'll be able to advance to mound work by the time the 2025 season concludes. Cole acknowledged that he doesn't yet have a target date in mind for when he might be ready to pitch next season, and a timeline for his 2026 debut may not come into focus until next spring. |
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Mar 22 2025 | The Yankees placed Cole (elbow) on the 60-day injured list Saturday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole will miss all of 2025 after undergoing Tommy John surgery, so the Yankees will stash him away on the 60-day IL to free up a roster spot for Carlos Carrasco, whose contract was selected from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. |
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Mar 13 2025 | Cole's (elbow) season-ending Tommy John surgery included internal bracing, which could speed up his recovery time, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole underwent the operation Tuesday and is still certain to miss the entire 2025 season. However, the internal bracing procedure could allow him to return closer to the short end of the 12-to-18-month recovery timeline typically given to Tommy John patients. The Yankees still haven't announced how they plan to replace Cole and Luis Gil (lat) in their Opening Day rotation, though Marcus Stroman and Will Warren are the likely candidates to make the cut if no outside help is brought in. |
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Mar 10 2025 | Cole will undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery on his right elbow Tuesday, Greg Joyce of the New York Post reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole sought a second opinion from Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles on Monday and it was during that meeting that it was confirmed Tommy John surgery would be required. The operation will knock Cole out for the entirety of the 2025 campaign, and it's possible he'll get a late start in 2026, as well. Cole, 34, has four years and $144 million remaining on his contract. With Cole out for the season and Luis Gil (lat) out indefinitely, the Yankees appear tentatively slated to open with both Marcus Stroman and Will Warren in their rotation. An addition from outside the organization is also possible. |
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Mar 9 2025 | Cole (elbow) was recommended to have Tommy John surgery, but he is waiting for a second opinion, Jim Bowden of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole will seek another opinion to confirm the diagnosis, but it appears as if the worst-case scenario for the Yankees may be playing out ahead of the 2025 campaign. The right-hander originally reported that he was struggling with his command in his most recent outing Thursday, which started him down the path of getting imaging on his elbow. If Cole is forced to undergo Tommy John surgery, he'd miss the entirety of the 2025 season and likely some of 2026 as well. |
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Mar 8 2025 | Cole said Saturday morning that he is "concerned" about what the imaging on his right elbow will show, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole said his elbow pain is the same as last year, and according to Randy Miller of NJ.com, "you could tell in [Cole's] voice, not just his words, that he is very worried." The right-hander is already talking about second opinions, which is an ominous sign. Cole and the Yankees expect to know more in the coming days, and it sounds like both sides are preparing for the worst-case scenario. |
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Mar 7 2025 | Cole is scheduled to undergo diagnostic tests on his right elbow, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole surrendered six earned runs on five hits over 2.2 innings during his spring outing Thursday, and he said after the game that he was struggling with command -- particularly of his fastball. The 34-year-old righty missed most of the first half of last season due to elbow trouble, and it seems like the Yankees are at least somewhat concerned those issues have resurfaced. More will be known regarding his status within the next several days. |
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Mar 6 2025 | Cole allowed six runs on five hits -- including two home runs -- over 2.2 innings in Thursday's Grapefruit League loss to the Twins. He struck out two and did not issue a walk. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Despite the result, manager Aaron Boone described Cole's outing as "another really good step in the process," per Bryan Hoch of MLB.com. "I got my work in," Cole said after the game. "Not great command; I kept trying to work the fastball over and over again." Cole was pulled with two outs in the second inning but returned for the third -- allowed under spring training rules -- and totaled 54 pitches in his second appearance of the spring. While Cole's numbers were down last season following his return from an elbow injury, his track record keeps him on the SP1/SP2 border for many. |
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Mar 1 2025 | Cole pitched 3.1 innings against Toronto in a Grapefruit League game Friday, allowing one run on three hits while striking out five batters. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole was sharp in his first appearance this spring, throwing 33 of 46 pitches for strikes. His fastball sat at 95-to-96 mph, and the veteran righty included 15 changeups in his pitch mix. Cole missed most of the first half of last season due to an elbow issue, but he's expected to be fully ready for the beginning of the regular season this year. |
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Feb 27 2025 | Cole is scheduled to make his first Grapefruit League start Friday versus the Blue Jays, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 34-year-old ace is in a much better spot on the health front this spring compared to last, when he struggled to bounce back from his initial throwing sessions in camp and was diagnosed with nerve inflammation in his right elbow. The injury prevented him from making his 2024 debut until the second half of June, and he was limited to just 124 total innings between the regular season and playoffs, which was his lowest cumulative total since the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign (91.1 innings). Though the Yankees are coming off a run to the World Series, Cole said earlier this month that he was able to begin his offseason program earlier than previous winters, so he hasn't required as much of an aggressive ramp-up period this spring. He'll likely cover 1-to-2 innings Friday and is expected to gradually build up his workload as he prepares for a likely starting assignment in the Yankees' March 27 Opening Day game against the Brewers. |
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Nov 4 2024 | Cole will remain with the Yankees on the four-year, $144 million contract he had previously opted out of, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Essentially, it's as if Cole didn't even exercise the opt-out clause in his contract. Although, it's expected the two sides will continue to negotiate a contract extension, possibly tacking a year onto the end of the pitcher's current deal. Cole posted a 3.41 ERA and 1.13 WHIP across 95 innings this season following a two-month absence due to an elbow injury. |
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Nov 2 2024 | Cole opted out of his contract with the Yankees on Saturday, Kiley McDaniel of ESPN.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Yankees have the opportunity to void Cole's opt-out decision by adding an extra year and $36 million to his contract, which would result in him being owed $180 million through 2029. The 34-year-old posted a 3.41 ERA and 1.13 WHIP across 95 innings this season after missing the first couple months due to an elbow injury. There is no guarantee that New York will want to keep him around for such a hefty price. |
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Oct 31 2024 | Cole took a no-decision Wednesday versus the Dodgers in Game 5 of the World Series, getting charged with five runs (zero earned) on four hits and four walks over 6.2 innings. He struck out six. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: All five unearned runs came in the top of the fifth inning on two singles, a double, a walk and two errors. One of the singles was credited to Mookie Betts on what should have been an inning-ending groundout, but Cole failed to cover first base. The first Dodgers run scored on that play and four more followed before Cole finally escaped the frame. Cole settled back in after that and was in line for the win when he was pulled with one on and two out in the seventh, but the Dodgers tallied a couple runs in the eighth to go ahead for good. In five starts this postseason, Cole held a 2.17 ERA and 22:10 K:BB over 29 frames. |
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Oct 21 2024 | Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Monday that Cole will start Friday in Game 1 of the World Series, Laura Albanese of Newsday reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Yankees wrapping up the ALCS in five games allowed them to set up their rotation as they wanted, and that means Cole taking the ball in Game 1. Boone added that Cole will likely be followed by Carlos Rodon, Clarke Schmidt and Luis Gil, in that order, although he has not yet etched that into stone. Cole holds a 3.31 ERA and 12:6 K:BB over 16.1 innings in three starts this postseason. |
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Oct 12 2024 | Cole will start Game 2 of the ALCS on Tuesday, Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Yankees haven't announced a starter for Game 1 just yet, but Cole getting the nod to start Game 2 likely narrows the choices down to Carlos Rodon and Clarke Schmidt for Monday. Cole was dominant in his most recent outing, allowing just one run over seven innings en route to a win over the Royals on Thursday. |
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Sep 26 2024 | Cole (8-5) allowed two hits and one walk while striking out five over 6.2 scoreless innings to earn the win over the Orioles on Thursday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole's last regular-season outing was one of his best, as it was one of three scoreless starts he produced this year. He threw 101 pitches (64 strikes), seeing a much higher workload than opposing starter Corbin Burnes (69 pitches). Cole will also get more time to recover, as this win secured the AL East title and a spot in the ALDS for the Yankees. Cole is now at a 3.41 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 99:29 K:BB over 95 innings across 17 starts this season. The right-hander's next start is likely to be Game 1 of the ALDS. |
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Sep 20 2024 | Cole (7-5) allowed one run on two hits and a walk while striking out seven over nine innings to earn the win over the Athletics on Friday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole didn't get a complete game, as the Yankees needed 10 innings to get past the A's in this one. It was the first time all year he's gone beyond six innings, and he threw 66 of his 99 pitches for starts in his third quality start over his last four outings. Cole is now at a 3.67 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 94:28 K:BB through 88.1 innings across 16 starts. He's tentatively projected to make his next start at home versus the Orioles, which would position Cole well to take the mound for Game 1 of the ALDS should the Yankees be able to maintain their four-game lead in the AL East over Baltimore. |
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Sep 14 2024 | Cole (6-5) took the loss Saturday as the Yankees were downed 7-1 by the Red Sox, surrendering seven runs on five hits and three walks over 4.1 innings. He struck out two and hit three batters with pitches. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran righty threw only 38 of 68 pitches for strikes before getting the hook, and things began to unravel for Cole after he intentionally walked long-time nemesis Rafael Devers with the bases empty in the fourth inning -- a move that the rest of the Boston lineup seemed to take personally. It's the first time since July 6 that Cole has failed to last at least five innings, a 10-start stretch in which he's posted a 2.34 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 66:16 K:BB through 57.2 innings. He'll look to bounce back in his next outing, which is scheduled to come on the road next weekend in Oakland. |
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Sep 8 2024 | Cole (6-4) allowed two unearned runs on three hits and a walk while striking out seven over six innings to take the loss Sunday versus the Cubs. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: A rough first inning was enough to send Cole to the loss, as he gave up two hits and a walk, as well as a pair of fielder's choices, in that frame. Isaac Paredes had the big hit, a two-run single that the Cubs nursed all the way to the end. Cole didn't miss any time after exiting his previous start with a calf cramp. He's allowed one earned run or fewer in five of his last six starts, surrendering a total of seven runs (five earned) with 43:12 K:BB over 34.1 innings in that span. Cole now has a 3.36 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 85:24 K:BB through 75 innings over 14 starts this season. The right-hander's next start is projected to be at home versus the Red Sox. |
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Sep 6 2024 | Cole (calf) is listed as the Yankees' scheduled starting pitcher for Sunday's game against the Cubs at Wrigley Field. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole departed his most recent start Monday against the Rangers with a right calf cramp, but the Yankees' ace looks like he'll be ready to take the hill on five days' rest. Even though the calf cramp knocked him out of the game after six innings, Cole still came away with his third win in his last four starts. Since the beginning of August, Cole has delivered a 1.85 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 40:11 K:BB across 34 innings. |
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Sep 2 2024 | Cole exited Monday's start against the Rangers with a right calf cramp, Erik Boland of Newsday reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole came out for the seventh inning but exhibited discomfort during his warmup pitches. It sounds as if he avoided serious injury, though the team will minor him closely for the next few days, which should clarify his status for his next turn through the rotation. Prior to exiting Monday's game, Cole threw six innings and allowed only one run on four hits and a walk while striking out nine. |
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Aug 27 2024 | Cole (5-3) took the loss Tuesday at Washington, allowing three runs on six hits and one walk over five innings. He struck out seven. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After posting back-to-back quality starts, Cole kept his recent run of decent form rolling in this 91-pitch outing. The New York ace entered the contest with a career-worst 3.3 K/9 but found his control, limiting the Nationals to just one free pass. Washington did pop two solo shots, ending a run of four consecutive appearances for Cole without allowing a homer. The right-hander currently lines up to make his next start against the Rangers on the road next week. |
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Aug 22 2024 | Cole (5-2) earned the win Thursday, allowing one hit while walking five over six scoreless frames against the Guardians. He struck out two. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole allowed a leadoff single to Steven Kwan that represented the only hit of the game for the Guardians. However, Cole battled his command all day, tossing just 55 strikes over 95 pitches while walking five batters and only striking out two. He did match a season high by completing six frames and collected just his third quality start of the season. Cole entered the game having allowed just one run and striking out 18 over 11.1 innings over his last two appearances, so while the opportunity for more was available Thursday, he still leaves the outing with two wins, 20 strikeouts and a 0.52 ERA over his last 17.1 innings. He's next slated to take the hill when the Yankees travel to Washington to take on the Nationals. |
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Aug 16 2024 | Cole (4-2) earned the win Friday over Detroit, allowing four hits and two walks over six scoreless innings. He struck out eight. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole looks to be rounding into form of late -- the right-hander's allowed just three runs in his last three starts (17 innings) while racking up 22 strikeouts in that span. Cole's lowered his ERA to 4.15 through 52 innings this season with a 1.37 WHIP and 60:16 K:BB. He'll look to keep rolling in his next start, currently scheduled for next week at home against the Guardians. |
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Aug 11 2024 | Cole came away with a no-decision in the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Rangers, allowing one run on six hits and two walks over 5.1 innings. He struck out 10. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran right-hander generated a massive 26 swinging strikes on his 90 pitches as he recorded his first game of the season with double-digit strikeouts, but Cole left the mound with the score tied 1-1 and watched Luke Weaver immediately implode as his replacement. Cole has failed to last six innings in each of his last three outings, but the 33-year-old appears to be rounding into form after only making his season debut in mid-June -- he's given up two runs or less in four of his last five trips to the mound, posting a 3.45 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 33:6 K:BB through 28.2 innings over that stretch. He lines up to make his next start on the road next weekend in Detroit. |
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Aug 4 2024 | Cole did not factor into the decision in Sunday's win against the Blue Jays, allowing two earned runs on six hits and zero walks in 5.2 innings. He struck out four. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After being scratched from Tuesday's scheduled start due to general body fatigue, Cole threw 91 pitches Sunday, his lowest pitch total since July 6. Cole fared well with the added rest, allowing two earned runs after surrendering six his last time out. The 33-year-old is trending up, but he has yet to find his dominant form as he works his way back from an elbow injury. In eight starts, Cole has pitched to a 5.09 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 42:12 K:BB across 40.2 innings. He is tentatively scheduled for a home start against the Rangers next weekend. |
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Aug 2 2024 | Cole (fatigue) said Friday that his bullpen session went well and he will start Sunday against the Blue Jays, Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole was scratched from Tuesday's scheduled start against the Phillies due to general body fatigue, but he is set to return to the mound for Sunday's series finale. Cole has made seven starts since recovering from nerve irritation and edema in his right elbow, going 3-2 with a 5.40 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and 38:12 K:BB across 35 innings. |
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Jul 31 2024 | Cole (fatigue) played catch without issue Wednesday and is slated to throw a bullpen session Friday, Meredith Marakovits of YES Network reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Assuming he comes out of the bullpen session with no concerns, Cole will make a start this weekend against the Blue Jays, likely Sunday. The veteran right-hander was scratched from a scheduled start Tuesday in Philadelphia due to general body fatigue, but the Yankees don't seem concerned that he's dealing with any sort of long-term issue. |
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Jul 30 2024 | Cole (general fatigue) reiterated he's not dealing with an arm issue after being scratched from Tuesday's start against the Phillies, and he expects to pitch this weekend versus the Blue Jays, Jorge Castillo of ESPN.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Cole has also been battling a stomach bug this week, per Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News, so taking few extra days to rest should be beneficial. Cole's status over the next few days will be worth monitoring, but there doesn't appear to be any long-term concerns. Will Warren is making his MLB debut Tuesday for the Yankees. |
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Jul 24 2024 | Cole (3-2) allowed six runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out four over 5.2 innings to take the loss versus the Mets on Wednesday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Five of the six runs on Cole's line came from the three home runs he surrendered. He had posted consecutive quality starts before this setback. Cole's now at a 5.40 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and 38:12 K:BB through 35 innings over seven starts this season. The right-hander's reached 100 pitches in three straight outings, but he'll now need to find better consistency in the quality of his performances. He's projected to make his next start at Philadelphia. |
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Jul 19 2024 | Cole (3-1) earned the win Friday against Tampa Bay, allowing one run on six hits and one walk over six innings. He struck out eight. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The New York ace was in fine form, generating an impressive 16 whiffs en route to his eight punchouts, his third straight game with at least seven Ks. The lone blemish on his evening was 384-foot solo shot allowed to Brandon Lowe in the sixth. With this 103-pitch effort, Cole lowered his season ERA to 4.60 from 5.40. The 33-year-old is tentatively slated to make his next start against the Mets at home. |
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Jul 12 2024 | Cole (2-1) earned the win Friday over the Orioles, allowing one run on five hits and a walk over six innings. He struck out seven. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole allowed a lone run on Ramon Urias' two-out triple in the second inning before blanking the Orioles over his final four frames, allowing just two additional hits, as he completed six innings for the first time this season. After allowing eight runs over his first two outings, Cole's allowed just six runs over his subsequent three starts (15.1 innings) while striking out 21 in that span. The right-hander is tentatively lined up to face the Rays at home following the All-Star break, where he'll look to open the second half on a positive note. |
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Jul 6 2024 | Cole did not factor into the decision in Saturday's 14-4 win against the Red Sox, allowing four runs on seven hits and two walks with eight strikeouts over 4.1 innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole allowed three runs in a 27-pitch third inning and was pulled in the fifth after surrendering a solo home run to Rafael Devers. The righty generated an impressive 14 swinging strikes and was pushed to 90 pitches for the second consecutive outing, but he labored at times and has now only completed five innings once in his first four starts of the season. The 33-year-old owns a 6.75 ERA, 1.62 WHIP and 19:8 K:BB over 17.1 innings and lines up for a road matchup with the Orioles next week. |
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Jun 30 2024 | Cole (1-1) earned the win Sunday, allowing one run on three hits, a walk and two hit batsmen over five innings against the Blue Jays. He struck out six. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole continues to struggle with his command as he rounds into form following a two-plus month stint on the IL with a nerve irritation in his elbow, but Sunday's performance represented a major step in the right direction. After walking four and allowing four homers in his previous start, Cole allowed a single run in the third, then struck out three of the last six batters he faced as he sent the Blue Jays down in order in the fourth and fifth innings to close out his day. The five innings pitched, 90 pitches thrown, one run allowed and six strikeouts each represented a season-best total for Cole, who continues to inch his way back toward his normal workload. He's tentatively slated to toe the rubber again next weekend in an AL East showdown when the Yankees welcome the Red Sox to the Bronx. |
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Jun 26 2024 | Cole (0-1) took the loss Tuesday as the Yankees fell 9-7 to the Mets, surrendering six runs on seven hits -- including four home runs -- and four walks over four innings. He failed to strike out a batter. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Making his second start of the season after recovering from an elbow issue, Cole simply couldn't locate his pitches as he served up four or more long balls for only the second time in his career -- the other such start came against the Twins in June 2022. The veteran right-hander did throw 72 pitches (44 strikes) Tuesday, up from 62 in his season debut as the Yankees gradually increase his workload. Cole will look to bounce back in his next outing, which lines up to come on the road this weekend in Toronto. |
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Jun 19 2024 | Cole did not factor into the decision in Wednesday's 7-6 loss to the Orioles, allowing two runs on three hits and one walk with five strikeouts over four innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole surrendered a run on an RBI double by Ryan O'Hearn in the first inning then settled in over the next three. He allowed a single to Cedric Mullins to open the fifth and was pulled after throwing 62 pitches, but Mullins scored on a home run surrendered by Yankees reliever Ron Marinaccio. Cole maxed out at 68 pitches during his minor-league rehab, so the Yankees appear to be easing him into his return. He touched 97 mph on his fastball and generated six swinging strikes in a solid season debut and will look to build up his workload early next week against the Mets. |
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Jun 17 2024 | Yankees manager Aaron Boone confirmed Monday that Cole (elbow) will be activated from the 60-day injured list to make his season debut Wednesday against the Orioles, Jorge Castillo of ESPN.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole has been lights out on his rehab assignment, yielding one earned run with a 19:0 K:BB over 12.1 innings covering three starts. In his final rehab outing this past Friday with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Cole struck out 10 while allowing just one unearned run across 4.1 frames. The right-hander has been out all season after being diagnosed in mid-March with nerve irritation and edema in his right elbow. Cole's workload will likely be curtailed initially after he had a high of 68 pitches on his rehab assignment. |
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Jun 16 2024 | Cole (elbow) could be reinstated from the 60-day injured list to start Wednesday's game versus the Orioles at Yankee Stadium, Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Yankees have confirmed Nestor Cortes and Luis Gil as their starting pitchers for games Tuesday and Thursday versus Baltimore, but a starter has yet to be made for Wednesday while the club weighs whether to activate Cole for his season debut or to have him make another minor-league rehab start. While shifting his assignment from Double-A Somerset to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Cole delivered a gem in his third rehab outing Friday, striking out 10 over 4.1 innings while allowing one unearned run on two hits and no walks. He tossed 70 pitches in the start, so Cole would likely have a slight cap on his workload if he were to rejoin the New York rotation Wednesday. If the Yankees decide to have Cole make one more start in the minors, Cody Poteet would likely get another turn through the big-league rotation. |
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Jun 15 2024 | The Yankees are expected to decide this weekend whether Cole (elbow) will need another rehab start or if he's ready to rejoin the Yankees' rotation, Greg Joyce of the New York Post reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole was dominant in his third rehab start with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Friday, pitching 4.1 innings during which he allowed an unearned run on two hits and no walks while striking out 10 batters. The reigning AL Cy Young Award winner tossed 70 pitches in the outing, so he'd likely have his workload managed to some extent if his next trip to the mound is with the big club. If it's determined that Cole needs another rehab start, it would be for ramp-up reasons rather than due to effectiveness -- he's dominated minor leaguers in his three appearances, posting a 19:0 K:BB while allowing just one earned run over 12.1 frames. Should Cole next move back into the Yankees' rotation, his season debut could come during the team's three-game set versus Baltimore next week. |
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Jun 12 2024 | Cole (elbow) will make a third rehab a start Friday with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Max Goodman of The Newark Star-Ledger reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander threw 57 pitches over 4.2 inning during his second rehab outing Sunday, and he'll move up to the Triple-A level as he continues building up his workload. Manager Aaron Boone said Wednesday, "we'll see" when asked if it will be Cole's final rehab start, so it's possible he's cleared to make his season debut for the Yankees next week. |
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Jun 9 2024 | Cole (elbow) said after Sunday's rehab outing with Double-A Somerset that he'll require at least one additional rehab start, Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reports. The right-hander allowed one run on two hits with four strikeouts and no walks over 4.2 innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole threw 44 of 57 pitches for strikes in his second rehab appearance Sunday as he continues building up his workload while coming back from nerve irritation in his elbow. The 33-year-old is trending toward a season debut in late June at the latest, though an exact return date won't come into focus until it's determined how many rehab outings are necessary. |
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Jun 7 2024 | Cole (elbow) will make a rehab start with Double-A Somerset on Sunday, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole made his first rehab appearance Tuesday with Somerset, firing 3.1 scoreless innings with five strikeouts. He threw 45 pitches and touched 97 miles per hour, which is in line with his normal velocity. Cole should see his pitch count lightened Sunday, though he'll likely need at least one more rehab outing before coming off the 60-day IL. |
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Jun 4 2024 | Cole (elbow) completed 3.1 scoreless innings in a minor-league rehab start with Double-A Somerset on Tuesday, allowing two hits and striking out five batters. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: In the first of what is expected to be multiple rehab outings, Cole threw 45 pitches and hit 97 mph on the radar gun, per Brendan Kuty of The Athletic. The veteran hurler surrendered a single to the first batter he faced but yielded just one more hit over the remainder of his outing. The beginning of Cole's rehab stint couldn't have gone much better, but he still figures to need at least a couple more appearances in the minors before he's ready to join the Yankees' rotation. If he doesn't experience any setbacks, the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner could make his season debut for the big club in the latter half of June. |
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Jun 2 2024 | Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Sunday that Cole (elbow) will begin a rehab assignment Tuesday with Double-A Somerset, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 33-year-old has thrown multiple sessions of live batting practice over the past couple weeks and has now been cleared to pitch in minor-league games. Cole will require multiple outings in the minors before being ready to join the Yankees, but he's on track to make his season debut during the second half of June. |
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May 30 2024 | Cole (elbow) could make his first rehab start Tuesday, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole threw live batting practice Thursday, and his next step will likely be a lengthy rehab assignment. It's unclear which affiliate he'll begin the assignment with, though it will be a significant step toward his return regardless of exactly where it occurs. |
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May 29 2024 | Cole (elbow) is expected to throw live batting practice Thursday, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Thursday's session will be Cole's third against hitters and his first since throwing 30 pitches in a two-inning simulated game Saturday. There had been some talk after that session of the right-hander potentially next advancing to a minor-league rehab assignment, but it appears that isn't in the cards quite yet. Still, Cole seems to be progressing well in his recovery from right elbow inflammation and could be back in the Yankees' rotation by the the latter half of June. |
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May 25 2024 | Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Saturday that there's a chance Cole (elbow) will begin a rehab assignment as soon as this coming week, Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole threw a live batting practice session Saturday without issue, which was the second time he's faced hitters since he resumed a throwing program. It sounds like he could be asked to throw another live BP, but beginning a rehab assignment also appears to be on the table. Cole will need multiple rehab starts before rejoining the Yankees' rotation, so he's still a few weeks away even if all goes well. |
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May 24 2024 | Cole (elbow) will throw a live batting practice Saturday, Chris Kirschner of The Athleticreports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It will be the second time Cole has faced live hitters, with his first stint taking place Tuesday when he threw about 20 pitches. While Cole is eligible to return from the 60-day IL at the end of May, he'll need multiple rehab starts before joining the Yankees' rotation. |
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May 21 2024 | Cole (elbow) faced live hitters Tuesday and will throw another live session this weekend, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole faced hitters for the first time since being shut down with elbow inflammation. He threw about 20 pitches in what's expected to be the first of two or three total live sessions. Cole will be eligible to return from the 60-day injured list before the end of May, but he'll require a multi-start rehab assignment and is still at least a few weeks away from making his season debut, likely at some point in June. |
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May 20 2024 | Cole (elbow) will face hitters Tuesday, Meredith Marakovits of YES Network reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole has been throwing off a mound for a couple weeks and is now ready to face hitters for the first time since he was diagnosed with nerve irritation and edema in his right elbow back in mid-March. A rehab assignment shouldn't be too far down the road, although there's been no date revealed for that yet. Cole is still several weeks away from his season debut. |
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May 18 2024 | Cole (elbow) threw two simulated innings in the bullpen Saturday, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole has been slowly ramping up his activity over the past few weeks, and his next step will likely be facing hitters in live batting practice. The reigning AL Cy Young winner has been out since mid-March while nursing nerve irritation and edema in his right elbow, and he's been throwing off a mound since May 4. Pitching coach Matt Blake said after Cole's bullpen session Saturday that the right-hander was clocked throwing in the low 90s, but he is still likely multiple weeks away from making his return. At this rate, Cole's timetable to return looks like it could be mid-to-late June. |
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May 15 2024 | Cole (elbow) threw approximately 36 pitches in a bullpen session Tuesday, per MLB.com. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole continues to incrementally increase his pitch count during his throwing sessions -- his previous bullpen took place Saturday and included 29 pitches. The veteran right-hander sat at around 89 mph with his fastball in that session, so he appears to still have a ways to go to get back up to full speed, but so far his recovery seems to be going smoothly, with manager Aaron Boone characterizing Cole's outlook as "onward and upward." There's no indication yet of when Cole may begin a rehab assignment, but he isn't likely to be activated off the IL until after the start of June. |
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May 11 2024 | Cole (elbow) threw 29 pitches in a bullpen session Saturday, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole noted that he had a "pretty good" bullpen session, with 13 of his 29 pitches being breaking balls and his velocity topping at 89 mph. He is set to stay in Tampa Bay and throw another bullpen early in the coming week. |
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May 7 2024 | Cole (elbow) completed a bullpen session Tuesday and is expected to throw another bullpen this weekend, Jorge Castillo of ESPN.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole is continuing to progress toward returning after throwing off a mound May 4 for the first time since being placed on the injured list in March. He tossed another bullpen session Tuesday without a setback and is expected to continue to ramp up his throwing efforts in the coming weeks. Cole appears to be on track for an early-to-mid-June return. |
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May 4 2024 | Cole (elbow) threw 15 pitches off a mound Saturday, Max Goodman of The Newark Star-Ledger reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: This was Cole's first bullpen session since he was shut down from throwing in mid-March, thus it was a significant milestone as the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner works his way back to the Yankees rotation. Per Goodman, Cole was "giddy" after throwing Saturday, so it appears the session went well. The veteran right-hander is eligible to come off the IL near the end of this month, but recent reports suggest that mid-June may be a more realistic target. |
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May 2 2024 | Cole (elbow) is expected to throw a bullpen session Saturday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole will throw off a mound for the first time since being placed on the 60-day injured list with nerve irritation and edema in his right elbow in late March. The 33-year-old is reportedly targeting a return in "mid June," according to Heyman. The right-hander is eligible to be activated from the IL on May 27, but it appears as if he will remain sidelined for awhile longer than that. With his pedigree, it comes as no surprise that the Yankees are being cautious with their ace, who produced a 2.63 ERA with a 9.6 K/9 over 209 innings in 33 starts last year. |
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May 1 2024 | Yankees manager Aaron Boone said that Cole had a "heavy day" of throwing off flat ground Tuesday, but the skipper is unsure when the right-hander will be ready to throw a bullpen session, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole has been playing catch multiple times per week for about two weeks while steadily increasing his throwing distance. He hasn't hit any reported snags in his recovery since resuming his throwing program, but it's not yet clear when Cole will be able to take the next meaningful step forward in his recovery from his right elbow injury by getting back on the mound. Boone also declined to speculate if a return before the All-Star break is realistic for Cole, who is eligible to be activated May 25 after opening the season on the 60-day injured list. |
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Apr 29 2024 | Cole (elbow) threw on flat ground again Saturday, and Yankees manager Aaron Boone said the session went "really well," Max Goodman of The Newark Star-Ledger reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole has been playing catch on flat ground for about three weeks, extending his throwing distance up to 120 feet. Boone indicated early last week that the ace hurler is getting close to throwing off a mound, and that could happen as soon as this week. If Cole continues to progress without setbacks, he could feasibly be ready to join the Yankees' rotation when he's eligible to come off the 60-day IL in late May. |
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Apr 23 2024 | Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Tuesday that Cole (elbow) could begin throwing off a mound sometime next week, Greg Joyce of the New York Post reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole extended his flat-ground throwing to 120 feet Tuesday, which is typically the farthest distance from which a pitcher plays catch before he gets on a mound. While nothing definitive has been decided in regard to a bullpen session, it sounds like one could be coming within the next week or so. Cole is working his way back from nerve irritation and edema in his right elbow. |
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Apr 16 2024 | Cole (elbow) is expected to throw from up to 75 feet Tuesday, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole has been playing catch for about a week, throwing from 60 feet on flat ground. He didn't throw Monday but is slated to resume play catch Tuesday, moving out an additional 15 feet. The reigning AL Cy Young Award winner appears to be making steady progress in his recovery from nerve irritation and edema in his right elbow. He's eligible to come off the 60-day IL in late May. |
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Apr 14 2024 | Cole (elbow) played catch Thursday, MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole played catch for the second time since being placed on the 60-day injured list March 28 with nerve irritation and edema in his right elbow. Yankees manager Aaron Boone said that the ace hurler's session Thursday "went well," though it's not yet clear when Cole will next throw. The right-hander isn't eligible to come off the injured list until late May, and the organization isn't expected to push him to be ready by then, so he'll likely progress slowly through his throwing program. |
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Apr 8 2024 | Cole (elbow) played catch without issue Monday, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's the first time he's done any throwing since he was diagnosed with nerve irritation and edema in his right elbow. Cole will be brought along slowly, and it's going to be a while before we gain clarity on a potential return timetable. He is not eligible for activation from the 60-day injured list until late May. |
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Apr 7 2024 | Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Cole (elbow) is scheduled to resume playing catch either Monday or Tuesday, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole has been shut down for nearly a month after he was diagnosed in spring training with nerve irritation and edema in his throwing elbow, but he looks poised to begin what's expected to be a lengthy ramp-up process. Though Cole was fortunate to avoid Tommy John surgery after getting a second opinion on his elbow from Dr. Neal ElAttrache in March, a procedure of some kind could still be in the forecast if the right-hander fails to bounce back as anticipated once he resumes throwing. He'll likely be limited to playing catch off flat ground while gradually extending his throwing distance for at least a week or two before potentially gaining clearance to throw bullpen sessions. Since Cole was placed on the 60-day IL prior to Opening Day, he won't be eligible to make his season debut until late May. |
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Mar 28 2024 | The Yankees placed Cole on the 60-day injured list Thursday with right elbow inflammation. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The initial timetable for Cole's return from his right elbow injury that cropped up a few weeks ago was 1-to-2 months, but it's clearly going to be closer to the latter end of that span. The hope is that the reigning American League Cy Young winner will be ready to begin a throwing program in a couple weeks, but the Yankees won't rush him for what will be a slow and steady buildup. |
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Mar 23 2024 | Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said last week that Cole (elbow) is a candidate for the 60-day injured list if the team needs to clear space on the 40-man roster, Greg Joyce of the New York Post reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: This news is far from surprising given that Cole isn't expected to be able to start throwing until at least mid-April and would presumably need considerable time to build back up even if he doesn't encounter any setbacks along the way. The right-hander was diagnosed with nerve inflammation in his right elbow in mid-March and was originally estimated to be sidelined for 1-to-2 months, though Cashman's comments suggest the ace hurler is unlikely to make it back near the early end of that timeframe. It's logical to expect New York to avoid rushing Cole back into action considering the investment they made in him when they signed the former Astro to a nine-year, $324 million contract before the 2020 campaign. |
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Mar 16 2024 | Cole said Saturday that he is dealing with nerve inflammation in his right elbow and he won't throw for three-to-four weeks, Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: A lengthy rest period was expected for Cole, although there is still plenty of room for him to appear later this season after it was determined his elbow won't require surgery. Cole remains without a firm timeline for his return to the Yankees' rotation, but a clearer picture may emerge after the end of his no-throw period. |
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Mar 14 2024 | Cole (elbow) will rest and receive treatment to recover from his elbow injury, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole was examined by Dr. ElAttrache, who determined that there was no tear in Cole's UCL. As a result, he'll be able to avoid surgery of any kind. An exact timeline for Cole's return to the mound remains unclear, though he is expected to miss at least two months of the regular season. |
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Mar 13 2024 | Cole (elbow) is expected to be sidelined at least 1-to-2 months, Jon Heyman and Mark W. Sanchez of the New York Post report. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The report notes that preliminary exams haven't detected any damage to Cole's right UCL, but the Yankees had enough concern about the integrity of the ligament to send their staff ace to Los Angeles for an in-person visit with Dr. Neal ElAttrache. Heyman and Sanchez relay that the "hope and belief" is that Cole can return in May or early June after a conservative rest and treatment plan, but more will be known following the pitcher's exam with Dr. ElAttrache. Luis Gil, Will Warren, Clayton Beeter, Cody Poteet and Luke Weaver are the most likely internal options to fill Cole's spot in the Yankees' rotation, but the club could look for help from outside the organization. |
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Mar 12 2024 | Yankees manager Aaron Boone acknowledged Tuesday that Cole (elbow) is unlikely to be ready for Opening Day, Erik Boland of Newsday reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Boone did not have an update on the results of the MRI on Cole's right elbow, but even if the news is good, the hurler won't have enough time to ramp back up for the opener. Cole is slated for more tests Tuesday and Boone anticipates it being "a couple of days until everybody weighs in on it." Boland suspects Marcus Stroman would take Cole's spot as the Yankees' Opening Day starter, although the club hasn't made any official pronouncements yet. |
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Mar 11 2024 | Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Monday that Cole will undergo an MRI on his right elbow, Pete Caldera of The Bergen Record reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole has been having difficulty bouncing back from from his throwing this spring, so he will be sent for testing to make sure he's not dealing with anything serious. A prognosis for Cole is not expected Monday and possibly not Tuesday, either, as he's slated for multiple opinions regarding the course of treatment. The reigning American League Cy Young winner has made just one Grapefruit League appearance this spring, giving up three runs over two innings back on March 1 versus the Blue Jays. If Cole needs to miss significant time, it wouldn't be a surprise if the Yankees upped their efforts to sign Blake Snell or Jordan Montgomery. |
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Feb 21 2024 | Cole is scheduled to face DJ LeMahieu, Anthony Rizzo, Anthony Volpe and Gleyber Torres over two innings Wednesday in his first live batting practice session of spring training, Pete Caldera of The Bergen Record reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Since Cole had a healthy offseason, the Yankees could elect to slow play his Grapefruit League debut, but the reigning American League Cy Young Award winner should be fully ramped up by the time Opening Day arrives. Coming off a 2023 season in which he went 15-4 with a 2.63 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 222:48 K:BB over 209 innings, Cole is justifiably being taken as one of the first two pitchers in most fantasy drafts. |
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Sep 27 2023 | Cole (15-4) earned the win Wednesday, allowing two hits in a complete-game shutout against Toronto. He struck out five. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It was a masterful performance from Cole, who notched his second complete-game shutout of the year in what'll likely be his final start this season. Cole all but wrapped up his first Cy Young award down the stretch, going 5-0 with a 1.29 ERA in his last seven outings. He'll finish the year with a 2.63 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 222 strikeouts across 33 starts (209 innings). |
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Sep 21 2023 | Cole (14-4) earned the win Thursday, allowing one run on just two hits over eight innings against the Blue Jays. He struck out nine. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole was stellar Thursday, blanking the Blue Jays through seven innings while allowing just one hit before surrendering a run in the eighth on a wild pitch. The 33-year-old Cole's bolstered his Cy-Young case down the stretch, going 4-0 with a 1.59 ERA in his last six outings. His ERA is down to 2.75 through 32 starts (200 innings), best in the American League, with a 1.02 WHIP and 217 strikeouts. Cole will likely make one more start this season, currently scheduled as a rematch with the Blue Jays next week in Toronto. |
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Sep 16 2023 | Cole allowed two runs on six hits and three walks while striking out four batters over five innings in a no-decision against Pittsburgh on Friday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole's highly anticipated first start in Pittsburgh (the team that drafted him) since 2017 ended up being a bit of a dud, as the Cy Young contender failed to complete six frames for the first time in five starts and struggled at times with his control, tying a season high with three walks. The Yankees ace nonetheless gave up just two earned runs, and he's held opponents to that amount or fewer in 10 of his 12 starts since the All-Star break. While this certainly won't rank as one of Cole's best performances this season, he probably didn't do anything to hurt his Cy Young case, and his overall numbers -- including a 2.81 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 208:48 K:BB over 192 innings -- remain excellent. |
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Sep 11 2023 | Cole pitched seven scoreless innings in a no-decision against Milwaukee on Sunday, allowing three hits and striking out nine batters without issuing a walk. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole was dominant in the outing, racking up 17 swinging strikes and finishing with his first scoreless outing since July 28 against Baltimore. The right-hander had to settle for a no-decision rather than extend a three-game win streak, however, as opposing hurler Corbin Burnes (ankle) held New York without a hit or a run over eight innings. Though the Yankees have struggled to keep pace in the AL playoff race, Cole has turned it on over his past four starts, posting a 1.35 ERA, 0.75 WHIP and 34:2 K:BB in 26.2 frames. He's among the league leaders in multiple pitching categories, including ERA (2.79 - third), WHIP (1.03 - first), opponents' average (.214 - seventh) and punchouts (204 - fifth). |
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Sep 5 2023 | Cole (13-4) earned the win Tuesday, allowing a run on eight hits over six innings in a 5-1 win over the Tigers. He struck out seven. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: While the eight hits were the most Cole's allowed in a start since June 25, he managed to hold the Tigers to just one run, earning his third straight win and his 10th quality start in his last 12 outings. Cole's ERA is down to 2.90 with a 1.05 WHIP and 195:45 K:BB across 29 starts (180 innings) this season. He's currently lined up for a home matchup with the Brewers this weekend in his next outing. |
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Aug 30 2023 | Cole (12-4) earned the win over Detroit on Wednesday, allowing two runs on four hits and two walks while striking out seven batters over six innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole wasn't overpowering in the effort -- he recorded a moderate nine swinging strikes and seven punchouts -- but he walked away with his second straight victory following a rough four-inning, six-run loss to Boston on Aug. 19. The right-hander collected his league-leading 20th quality start, with seven of those coming in his nine outings since the All-Star break. Cole also ranks third in the AL in strikeouts (188), second in ERA (2.95) and fourth in WHIP (1.04). |
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Aug 25 2023 | Cole (11-4) picked up the win Friday, yielding two runs (one earned) on three hits and no walks over 7.2 innings in a 6-2 victory over the Rays. He struck out 11. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole was in control all night, permitting just a solo home run to Yandy Diaz and having an unearned run charged to his ledger after he was lifted in the eighth inning. The right-hander's 11 strikeouts tied a season high, and he induced 17 swinging strikes on an even 100 pitches. It was a terrific bounce-back effort from Cole after his ERA rose above 3.00 for the first time all season when he coughed up six runs his last time out. The right-hander's ERA now sits at 2.95, and he's up to 181 strikeouts over 168 frames. |
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Aug 19 2023 | Cole (10-4) took the loss Saturday, allowing six runs on seven hits and one walk over four innings against the Red Sox. He struck out four. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole unraveled in the second inning, giving up back-to-back singles and a walk to open the frame before surrendering a grand slam to Luis Urias. The right-hander would last just four innings, marking his shortest outing of the season, while also allowing a season-high six earned runs. He came into Saturday's contest having not allowed two home runs in a start since May 28 and he's now lost his last two decisions (spanning three starts). |
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Aug 13 2023 | Cole did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing two runs on six hits and two walks over six innings against the Marlins. He struck out six. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole did his part in earning a quality start and leaving with a five-run lead, but the bullpen imploded in the ninth, snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. Cole remains a strong candidate to win his first Cy Young with 10 wins, a 2.76 ERA that ranks second among qualified starters in the American League, and a 1.05 WHIP. A minor concern to track is a slightly regressed 9.6 K:9 and 4.0 K:BB that represent his lowest marks since his last season in Pittsburgh back in 2017. The reliable Cole is lined up to face the rival Red Sox next weekend in the Bronx. |
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Aug 8 2023 | Cole (10-3) took the loss against the White Sox on Monday, allowing four runs on five hits and two walks while striking out three batters over seven innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole didn't have his swing-and-miss stuff going Monday, but he nonetheless entered the eighth frame having given up just two runs. The All-Star hurler couldn't get an out in that inning, however, as he gave up consecutive singles to Gavin Sheets and Elvis Andrus before being pulled. Both batters came around to score after Cole's departure, saddling the veteran with his first outing of at least four earned runs since he gave up five to the Padres on May 28. Cole still holds an excellent 2.75 ERA and 1.04 WHIP on the campaign, and he remains a strong AL Cy Young Award candidate. |
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Aug 3 2023 | Cole (10-2) picked up the win Wednesday, giving up two runs on four hits and two walks over seven innings in a 7-2 victory over the Rays. He struck out eight. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: An expected pitching duel with Shane McClanahan never materialized when the Tampa southpaw developed forearm soreness and got tagged for five runs in the third inning, while Cole was nearly flawless after serving up a two-run homer to Wander Franco in the first. The veteran right-hander has delivered six straight quality starts, posting a 2.27 ERA, 0.81 WHIP and 44:7 K:BB through 39.2 innings over that stretch, and he'll look to keep rolling in his next outing, likely to come early next week on the road against the White Sox. |
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Jul 29 2023 | Cole did not factor into the decision Friday, allowing three hits over seven scoreless innings against the Orioles. He struck out five. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole notched his first outing with at least seven scoreless innings since his complete-game shutout versus Minnesota on April 16. However, it wasn't good enough for the win, as Baltimore's pitching staff blanked the Yankees' offense. Cole has been spectacular of late, posting a 2.20 ERA, 0.80 WHIP and 36:5 K:BB while completing at least six innings in five straight games. Cole will look to stay hot during his next start, which is lined up for a matchup against Tampa Bay. |
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Jul 22 2023 | Cole did not factor into the decision Saturday, allowing two runs on five hits and one walk over 6.1 innings against the Royals. He struck out 10. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole went 1-2-3 through the first two innings before surrendering a leadoff homer to Nick Prato to lead off the third. The right-hander then struck out the side to close out the frame and managed to record double-digit strikeouts for the fourth time this season prior to being relieved by Wandy Peralta in the seventh. Cole has now logged three consecutive quality starts, striking out 21 batters over that stretch to only three walks. |
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Jul 16 2023 | Cole allowed a run on two hits and a walk while striking out 11 over six innings in a no-decision versus the Rockies on Sunday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole was dominant, limiting the damage to a solo shot by Michael Toglia in the second inning. The same couldn't be said for the Yankees' bullpen, which let two leads slip away in the 8-7 extra-innings loss. Cole has earned quality starts in all but one of his eight starts since the beginning of June. The All-Star has a 2.78 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 134:35 K:BB through 123 innings over 20 starts this season. He's projected for a favorable home start versus the Royals in his next outing. |
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Jul 10 2023 | Cole will start for the American League in Tuesday's All-Star Game versus the National League, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole had seemed to be the most likely candidate to get the nod from AL manager Dusty Baker, especially after other options pulled out of the festivities. The big right-hander has collected nine wins, a 2.85 ERA and 123:34 K:BB over 117 innings covering 19 starts for the Yankees in the first half. It will be the first-ever start in the Midsummer Classic for Cole. |
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Jul 9 2023 | Cole (9-2) earned the win Saturday, allowing three runs on five hits and one walk over 7.1 innings against the Cubs. He struck out five. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole limited the Cubs to one run, which came on a groundout by Nico Hoerner in the top of the third to score Miles Mastrobuoni, over the first seven innings.. The right-hander then went on to retire the next 10 batters he faced before surrendering a two-run shot to Mike Tauchman in the eighth. Cole has now gone at least six innings in five of his last six starts, though he's allowed at least two runs in three straight. |
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Jul 3 2023 | Cole (8-2) was handed the loss Sunday against the Cardinals, allowing two runs on six hits and two walks while striking out six over six innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole allowed just a base hit through three innings, but the Cardinals got to him in the fourth with two doubles and two singles to score two runs. Cole has allowed three runs or fewer in each of his last six starts but has only two wins over that span, as he continues to be let down by his offense. The 32-year-old owns a spectacular 2.79 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 118:33 K:BB in 109.2 innings and was just named to his fifth All Star Game since 2018, which is the most among starting pitchers over that span. He'll line up for one final start before the break versus the Cubs over the weekend. |
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Jun 25 2023 | Cole did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing three runs on nine hits and one walk over 4.2 innings against the Rangers. He struck out seven. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole posted season-worst marks in hits allowed and innings completed while surrendering more than two runs for the first time since May 28. Before Sunday's outing, the right-hander held a 1.78 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 27:4 K:BB across his first four starts in June (25.1 innings), so it's safe to chalk the poor performance up as an outlier. Cole will look to get back on track next time out, which is tentatively scheduled during a three-game weekend series in St. Louis. |
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Jun 21 2023 | Cole (8-1) earned the win over the Mariners on Tuesday, allowing just one run on four hits and a walk while striking out eight over 7.1 innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole got through five scoreless frames before the Mariners tacked on their only run of the night on an RBI double from Jarred Kelenic in the sixth. The double was the Mariners' only extra-base hit of the night, as Cole was his usual dominant self, registering 20 whiffs and a 34 percent CSW. He's put together a sparking 1.78 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 27:4 K:BB across four starts in June so far and tentatively lines up for a tough test against the Rangers over the weekend. |
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Jun 15 2023 | Cole didn't factor into the decision in Wednesday's 4-3 extra-inning loss to the Mets, allowing one run on four hits over six innings. He struck out eight without walking a batter. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander delivered his third straight quality start and 10th of the season in 15 trips to the mound, but he left with the score tied 1-1. Cole generated 32 called or swinging strikes among his 95 pitches, but it was his control that stood out, as this was his first start of 2023 in which he didn't issue a free pass. He'll take a 2.75 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 98:29 K:BB through 91.2 innings into his next outing, likely to come next week at home against the Mariners. |
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Jun 10 2023 | Cole (7-1) took the loss Friday, allowing two runs on seven hits and one walk over six innings against the Red Sox. He struck out six. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: In his 14th start of the season, Cole took his first loss despite allowing just two runs. The loss was his first in the regular season since Aug. 31 of last year. After seven straight starts without allowing a home run to begin the season, the veteran right-hander has struggled with the long ball of late, giving up nine over his last seven games. Cole will carry a solid 2.84 ERA into his next start, tentatively scheduled for next week on the road against the Mets. |
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Jun 9 2023 | Cole (cramps) is listed as the Yankees' scheduled starter for Friday's home game against the Red Sox. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole will return to the mound on five days' rest after his most recent start last Saturday against the Dodgers was cut short when he experienced cramping. The Yankees didn't send in the right-hander for any further testing, so Cole never looked to be at any major risk of missing out what will be his 14th start of the season. Cole carries a 7-0 record, 2.82 ERA and 1.13 WHIP into Friday's contest. |
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Jun 3 2023 | Cole left Saturday's start against the Dodgers due to cramping, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports. He allowed one run over six innings on two hits with five strikeouts and two walks before leaving. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole threw just 80 pitches in the start, but the cramping kept the right-hander from advancing deeper into the game. The right-hander should be considered day-to-day, and he'll have a chance to return to the mound next weekend against the Red Sox. |
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May 28 2023 | Cole (6-0) earned the win Sunday, allowing six runs (five earned) on four hits and three walks over six innings against the Padres. He struck out nine. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It wasn't Cole's best outing, as he allowed five earned runs in a second straight start. Still, he pitched well enough to earn the win in the Yankees' 10-7 victory. Despite a pair of tough starts, Cole still sports a strong 2.93 ERA with a 1.14 WHIP and 79:28 K:BB through 12 starts (73.2 innings) this season. The 32-year-old ace will look to get back on track in his next outing, tentatively lined up for next week against the Dodgers. |
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May 23 2023 | Cole did not factor into the decision Tuesday, allowing five runs on six hits and three walks over 5 innings in a 6-5 victory over the Orioles. He struck out two. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole tied his season high with five runs allowed while also setting a new low in strikeouts. The 32-year-old also gave up a pair of solo home runs, one to Cedric Mullins in the third and another to Gunnar Henderson in the fourth. marking his third time allowing multiple home runs in his last four starts. After finishing last season with the third-highest K/9 (11.5) in MLB, Cole has seen a significant drop in strikeouts in 2023, ranking 22nd with a 9.8 K/9. Regardless, Cole remains one of the league's top arms and has made up for his strikeout struggles in run prevention, owning a 2.53 era through 11 starts (67.2 innings). |
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May 18 2023 | Cole didn't factor into the decision in Wednesday's 3-0 extra-inning loss to the Blue Jays, allowing seven hits and two walks over six scoreless innings. He struck out six. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran right-hander was dominant for 104 pitches (70 strikes), generating 30 called or swinging strikes en route to his seventh quality start in 10 outings, but Chris Bassitt matched him goose egg for goose egg and the game was eventually left in the hands of the bullpens. Cole remains undefeated on the year at 5-0 and will take a 2.01 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 68:20 K:BB through 62.2 innings into his next start, which is likely to come early next week at home against the Orioles. |
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May 13 2023 | Cole didn't factor into the decision in Friday's 6-5 win over the Rays, giving up two runs on five hits and two walks over five innings while striking out four. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander will be glad to see the last of Tampa Bay's hitters for a while -- after serving up zero homers in his first seven starts of 2023, Cole got taken deep four times over back-to-back outings against the Rays, including a pair of solo shots in this one. He remains undefeated on the year at 5-0, and he'll take a 2.22 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 62:18 K:BB through 56.2 innings into his next start, likely to come next week in Toronto. |
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May 7 2023 | Cole did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing six runs (five earned) on eight hits and two walks over five innings during an 8-7 defeat to the Rays in extras. He struck out six. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole had been a prototypical ace over his first seven starts, posting a 1.35 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and 52:14 K:BB across 46.2 innings, but Sunday's performance was a step in the wrong direction. He was spotted a six-run lead and held Tampa Bay scoreless through four innings, but he couldn't maintain the advantage and surrendered six answered runs, including home runs by Jose Siri and Christian Bethancourt, before being pulled with no outs in the sixth. The homers were the first allowed by the right-hander this year, and his five innings were a season low. Cole's next start is projected for a rematch against the Rays, so it'll be a solid bounce-back opportunity after he submitted his worst outing of the campaign thus far. |
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May 3 2023 | Cole's next start will be moved up a day to Sunday against the Rays, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Nestor Cortes has strep throat and will be pushed back. It will be normal rest for Cole after he held the Guardians to two runs over six innings Tuesday. |
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Apr 28 2023 | Cole (5-0) earned the win Thursday, allowing two runs on six hits and one walk over 6.2 innings in a 4-2 win over the Rangers. He struck out eight. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole continued his elite form to start off the season. The right-hander's 1.11 ERA ranks second in the league, and he also ranks fourth with 44 strikeouts. The Yankees' ace is tentatively slated to face the Guardians at home in his next appearance. |
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Apr 5 2023 | Cole (2-0) earned the win Wednesday, allowing one run on three hits and three walks in a 4-2 victory over the Phillies. He struck out eight. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Yankee ace dazzled in his second start providing six scoreless innings against a potent Phillies offense. Cole fought through multiple tough at-bats but attacked the corners efficiently, keeping the Philadelphia batters from making decent contact. The right-hander was relieved after a pitch clock violation resulted in his third walk of the game that would later score following his departure. The 32-year-old threw 103 pitches (68 for strikes) and sports a 0.73 ERA and 19:5 K:BB through 12.1 innings. Cole's next start is tentatively scheduled for Sunday against the Orioles. |
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Mar 30 2023 | Cole (1-0) earned the win and racked up 11 strikeouts while allowing three hits and two walks over six scoreless innings in the Yankees' season-opening win Thursday against the Giants. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: In doing so, Cole became the first pitcher in Yankees history to record 10-plus punchouts in an Opening Day outing. He scattered three singles and two walks while thoroughly dominating the visiting Giants throughout the afternoon. Cole threw 95 pitches, 56 of which went for strikes. Up next for the ace right-hander is likely another home start in the Bronx on Wednesday, this time against the Phillies. |
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Mar 15 2023 | Cole will start for the Yankees on Opening Day against San Francisco, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Manager Aaron Boone confirmed Cole as the team's Opening Day starter Monday, but the decision was essentially a foregone conclusion. Cole is considered one of the top pitchers in baseball and is set to toe the mound for the Yankees on Opening Day for the fourth straight season. The veteran right-hander led the majors with 257 strikeouts last season while posting a 3.50 ERA and 1.02 WHIP over 200.2 innings. |
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Mar 6 2023 | Cole topped out at 99 mph in his spring pitching debut Friday, per Max Goodman of SI.com, and he tossed three scoreless innings against Detroit during which he allowed one hit and no walks while striking out four batters. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Based on Cole's results in his first Grapefruit League appearance, the veteran hurler appears primed for the regular season. The right-hander threw 37 of 51 pitches for strikes and allowed just two baserunners -- one on a double and the other on an error. Though Cole's 3.50 ERA last season was his worst since 2017, he still posted an impressive 1.02 WHIP and 32.4 percent strikeout rate, and he's consistently been among the first three starting pitchers off the board in 2023 fantasy drafts. |
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Mar 1 2023 | Cole is expected to start Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Tigers, Erik Boland of Newsday reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole has been tossing bullpen sessions but has yet to throw in a game this spring. He'll likely toe the mound against Detroit on Friday, though Greg Joyce of the New York Post reports that New York is "leaving the door open" for the veteran right-hander to toss a live BP session instead. Cole will enter the regular season as the team's ace after posting a 3.50 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 257:50 K:BB over 200.2 innings last season. |
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Oct 22 2022 | Cole pitched five innings and took the loss during Saturday's 5-0 defeat in Game 3 of the ALCS, allowing three earned runs on five hits and two walks while striking out seven. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole was unable to turn the tides of the ALCS in Saturday's Game 3 defeat, surrendering a two-run homer to Chas McCormick in the second inning and leaving after loading the bases in the sixth inning. The two-run homer was a back-breaker, coming after a two-out error by Harrison Bader, and Lou Trivino allowed all three of Cole's inherited runners to score in the sixth. The 32-year-old's only regular season start against Houston had come on June 25 when he threw seven strong innings while allowing one run, but he was unable to match that performance Saturday. Cole was 2-0 with two wins against the Guardians during the ALDS, but his loss in Game 3 brings him to 2-1 with a 2.98 ERA and 23 K's over 18.1 innings in the postseason. |
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Oct 18 2022 | Cole is an option to pitch in relief in Game 5 of the ALDS against the Guardians on Tuesday, potentially as the closer, Pete Caldera of The Bergen Record reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole threw 110 pitches in his Game 4 start on Sunday, but it's not uncommon in the playoffs for starters to skip the bullpen session they typically throw between starts and toss an inning in game action instead. Whether a presumably somewhat tired Cole is a stronger option than the Yankees' other relief weapons will be a tough call for manager Aaron Boone. |
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Oct 5 2022 | Cole (13-8) took the loss in the second game of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Rangers, giving up three runs (two earned) on six hits over six innings. He struck out nine without walking a batter. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander delivered his second straight quality start and 21st of the year in his final regular-season start, but Cole didn't get enough run support to turn it into a win. He managed only a 4.50 ERA through 36 innings since the beginning of September, but it comes with a sharp 1.03 WHIP and 53:10 K:BB, and Cole topped 250 strikeouts on the season for the third time in his career. |
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Sep 28 2022 | Cole (13-7) earned the win Wednesday, allowing three runs on three hits and one walk with four punchouts over 6.1 innings against the Blue Jays. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole was perfect through five innings Wednesday but ran into trouble in the sixth inning. Danny Jansen led off the frame with a home run; Whit Merrifield followed with a base hit and Jackie Bradley Jr reached based on a walk, both of whom came around to score and tie the game at 3-3. Despite the hiccup, Cole recorded his first quality start since Sept. 7. He has struggled with the long ball recently, allowing at least one homer in each of his last seven appearances. He will take a 3.51 ERA into his next start. |
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Sep 23 2022 | Cole was ejected from Friday's start against the Red Sox in the sixth inning, Lindsey Adler of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After striking out J.D. Martinez to end the top of the sixth inning, Cole argued with the home plate umpire over a perceived missed call that led directly to a three-run home run by Alex Verdugo. While he was formally tossed, Cole's start was likely already over as he had thrown 103 pitches while also allowing four earned runs on five hits and two walks. He also struck out eight, backed by 17 swinging strikes on 103 total pitches. For the season, Cole owns a 3.49 ERA across 188.1 frames, though he has now served up multiple home runs in three consecutive starts. |
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Sep 18 2022 | Cole (12-7) allowed four runs on four hits and three walks while striking out eight in five innings to earn the win over the Brewers on Sunday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole gave up four runs over the first two innings Sunday, and his start against the Brewers was just the fifth time this season that he's failed to last at least six innings. However, he got plenty of run support from the Yankees' offense during Sunday's 12-8 victory and picked up his third win over his last five starts. The right-hander has struck out at least batters in each of those five outings and has posted a 3.38 ERA and 47:10 K:BB in 32 innings across that span. Cole tentatively lines up to make his next start at home against the Red Sox on Saturday. |
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Sep 13 2022 | Cole did not factor into the decision Tuesday, allowing four runs on four hits and two walks over six innings against the Red Sox. He struck out 10. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Boston tagged Cole for three long balls Tuesday to prevent him from recording the quality start, though Cole threw at least six innings for the 17th consecutive start. Homers are becoming something of an issue for the Yankees' ace, as he has allowed at least one home run in each of his last four starts. He will take a 3.30 ERA into his next start, tentatively scheduled against Milwaukee this weekend. |
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Sep 8 2022 | Cole (11-7) picked up the win in the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Twins, allowing one run on five hits and two walks over 6.2 innings. He struck out 14. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 14 strikeouts are a season high for Cole, who has fanned double-digit batters eight times in 28 outings. He's also delivered three straight quality starts and five in his last six outings, posting a 2.02 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 48:9 K:BB through 40 innings over the latter stretch. |
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Sep 6 2022 | Cole will not start Tuesday against the Twins with the game being postponed "due to the forecast of sustained inclement weather." | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: While Cole will not take the ball Tuesday, he will presumably have to wait only one more day, as the postponed contest is scheduled to be made up Wednesday as part of a doubleheader. It remains to be seen whether Cole will start the afternoon affair or the nightcap. |
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Aug 31 2022 | Cole (10-7) took the loss Wednesday versus the Angels, allowing three runs (two earned) on six hits and a walk while striking out four over seven innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: All of the damage against Cole came in the sixth inning when Shohei Ohtani took him deep for a three-run home run. The four strikeouts were Cole's lowest total in a start since June 9. While it wasn't the best of outings for the right-hander, he was able to log his fourth quality start in six games in August. He's at a 3.28 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 204:40 K:BB through 164.2 innings across 27 starts this year. Cole's projected for a home start versus the Twins in the first of a potential two starts next week. |
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Aug 26 2022 | Cole (10-6) allowed a run on three hits and two walks while striking out 11 over 7.1 innings to earn the win over the Athletics on Friday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole notched his seventh game of double-digit strikeouts this year. His punchout of Cal Stevenson in the seventh inning secured Cole's fifth career 200-strikeout season. He's the first in the majors to reach that milestone in 2022. The right-hander has gone at least six innings in 14 straight starts, pitching to a 3.08 ERA in that span. For the season, he owns a 3.31 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 200:39 K:BB through 157.2 innings across 26 starts. He's projected for a road start versus the Angels next week. |
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Aug 20 2022 | Cole (9-6) took the loss against Toronto on Saturday, pitching six innings and allowing four runs on five hits and two walks while striking out five batters. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole was locked in through four frames, allowing only two baserunners on a walk and a hit batsman. After striking out Matt Chapman to begin the fifth, he subsequently let six straight batters reach base on three doubles, two infield singles and a free pass. The onslaught resulted in four runs, and though Cole rebounded to retire the side in order in the sixth, the damage was too much for a recently tepid New York offense to overcome. Cole has now gone six starts without earning a victory, and he's posted an uncharacteristic 4.62 ERA over that span. He leads the majors with 189 strikeouts but has otherwise had a mildly disappointing campaign thus far. |
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Aug 15 2022 | Cole (9-5) allowed one run on five hits and two walks over six innings Monday, striking out six and taking a loss against the Rays. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole worked through three scoreless frames before yielding a run in the fourth. Unfortunately for him, the Yankees were shut out, so he was tagged with a loss. Since his last win July 17, Cole is 0-3 with a 4.35 ERA over his last five starts. With Monday's outing, he lowered his season ERA to 3.30 alongside a 184:35 K:BB across 144.1 frames. Cole is projected to start at home against the Blue Jays this weekend. |
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Aug 9 2022 | Cole didn't factor into the decision during Tuesday's 1-0 loss to Seattle, allowing four hits while striking out eight in seven scoreless innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole went toe-to-toe in a rematch with Seattle starter Luis Castillo but couldn't register the victory as the game went 13 innings. The excellent performance comes on the heels of three straight poor outings, during which the 31-year-old pitched to a 7.00 ERA across 18 innings against inferior competition in Baltimore, Kansas City and Seattle. Cole retook the MLB lead with his 178th strikeout, and he's scheduled to pitch again next week against Tampa Bay. |
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Aug 3 2022 | Cole (9-4) took the loss Wednesday as the Yankees were downed 7-3 by the Mariners, coughing up six runs on seven hits -- including three home runs -- and a walk over six innings. He struck out eight. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: All six runs scored in the first inning as Eugenio Suarez, Carlos Santana and Jarred Kelenic took Cole deep, but the right-hander was at least able to save the bullpen by settling down and working another five frames. Cole exited after 103 pitches (69 strikes), and he'll take a 3.56 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 170:33 K:BB through 131.1 innings into his next outing. |
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Jul 30 2022 | Cole didn't factor into the decision in Friday's 11-5 win over the Royals, surrendering five runs on seven hits over six innings. He struck out nine without walking a batter. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander showed his usual dominance and blanked Kansas City through four frames, but Cole ran into trouble in the fifth, eventually serving up a three-run blast to Salvador Perez. He exited with the Yankees down 5-3, but a massive rally in the eighth erased the deficit. Cole generated 19 swinging strikes among his 100 pitches, and he'll take a 3.30 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 162:32 K:BB through 125.1 innings into his next start. |
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Jul 24 2022 | Cole (9-3) took the loss Saturday against the Orioles after giving up four runs (three earned) on nine hits with six strikeouts and two walks. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole threw 80 of his 112 pitches for strikes and generated 16 whiffs, but Baltimore rallied for four runs between the fifth and seventh innings to sink him. The nine hits allowed are a season high, though he was able to limit the damage and give the Yankees offense a chance. Cole has a 3.09 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 153:32 K:BB through 20 starts (119.1 innings), and he tentatively lines up to pitch during next weekend's four-game set versus Kansas City. |
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Jul 17 2022 | Cole (9-2) gave up two earned runs on four hits and zero walks while striking out 12 in seven innings Sunday against the Red Sox. He picked up the win. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He tied his season high with 12 strikeouts and struck out double-digit batters a second straight time and sixth time this season. Cole has had a few blowup outings this season but his 3.02 ERA and 0.98 WHIP are still strong thanks to dominant outings like this one. Cole enters the All-Star break tied with Shane McClanahan for first in the majors with 147 strikeouts. |
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Jul 12 2022 | Cole gave up four hits, a walk and no earned runs while striking out 11 over seven innings in a 4-3 loss to the Reds on Tuesday. He did not factor into the decision. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole bounced back from a rough start his last time out against the Red Sox when he was tagged for five earned runs to pitch a scoreless gem. The 31-year-old right-hander left the game in line for his ninth win of the season but the Yankees bullpen struggled in relief so he was forced to settle for the no-decision. Cole ranks third in MLB with 135 strikeouts on the year and continues to live up to his status as a consensus first-round fantasy pick heading into the season. |
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Jul 7 2022 | Cole (8-2) allowed five earned runs on five hits and three walks while striking out seven across six innings to earn the win Thursday against the Red Sox. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole surrendered a pair of home runs to Rafael Devers, which was almost enough for him to blow a five-run advantage. Cole was fairly strong otherwise, racking up 17 swinging strikes on 94 total pitches while also working at least six innings for his fifth consecutive appearance. Despite the bumpy outing, Cole still has a 3.26 ERA and a 124:29 K:BB across 99.1 frames on the season. |
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Jul 2 2022 | Cole (7-2) earned the win in the first game of Saturday's doubleheader, allowing two runs on three hits and three walks over six innings against the Guardians. He struck out six. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: All of the damage against Cole came in the second inning when Josh Naylor and Franmil Reyes went back-to-back. Cole was excellent otherwise, and he now has his ERA back below 3.00 for the season (2.99). The right-hander has 11 quality starts in his last 13 turns, and around the June 9 hiccup when he allowed five homers, Cole has pitched like a fantasy ace. |
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Jul 1 2022 | Cole won't start Friday against the Guardians, as the game has been postponed due to poor weather. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader Saturday. Cole will start the first game of the twin bill, per Marly Rivera of ESPN.com. |
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Jun 25 2022 | Cole (6-2) was charged with the loss after he pitched seven innings, surrendering one run on four hits and two walks while striking out eight versus the Astros. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole picked up a tough-luck loss Saturday after he only gave up a single run on a J.J. Matijevic solo homer in the top of the seventh inning. Unfortunately for him, the Astros tossed a combined no-hitter. Cole has now produced three straight masterful starts, surrendering just two runs over 20.1 frames while striking out 27 batters. He now owns a 2.99 ERA and 1.01 WHIP with 111 punchouts over 87.1 innings in 15 starts this season. |
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Jun 21 2022 | Cole didn't factor into the decision Monday in the Yankees' 4-2 win over the Rays, allowing one run on one hit and three walks while striking out 12 over 7.1 innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole carried a no-hitter into the eighth inning before Isaac Paredes opened the frame with a single. The right-hander was lifted from the game one out later, and he lost his chance at a win after Clay Holmes allowed two runs to cross the plate as the Rays evened the score 2-2. Despite the disappointing no-decision, Cole had arguably his best outing of the campaign, racking up a season-high 12 strikeouts and inducing 19 swinging strikes. He lowered his ERA to 3.12 overall and has yielded one or zero runs in four of his past five starts. |
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Jun 17 2022 | Cole will start Monday in Tampa Bay, Lindsey Adler of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Luis Severino was scratched from his start Thursday with an illness and will be starting Sunday against the Blue Jays, which pushes Cole to Monday. He had been lined up for two starts this week and will instead line up for two next week, in Tampa Bay and home for the Astros. |
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Jun 14 2022 | Cole (6-1) earned the victory Tuesday over Tampa Bay, striking out seven across six scoreless innings while allowing five hits and a walk. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole bounced back from last week's five-homer barrage by shutting down the Rays. He loaded the bases in the sixth but was able to pitch out of trouble by inducing a double-play ball. It was the sixth time in 12 starts that he allowed one run or fewer while pitching at least six innings. The 31-year-old has a 3.33 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 91:18 K:BB in 73 innings, very similar to his 2021 numbers. |
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Jun 9 2022 | Cole allowed seven runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out three over 2.1 innings against Minnesota on Thursday. However, he did not factor in the decision. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole had been on a roll entering Thursday, notching seven quality starts while posting a 2.02 ERA over his previous eight outings. He hardly resembled that pitcher against the Twins, surrendering three runs in each of the first and second frames before being removed after allowing a solo homer in the third. Minnesota smoked five homers off Cole -- the most he has given up in a single game in his career -- and the first three batters he faced in the contest took him deep. The right-hander's ERA jumped to 3.63 as a result of the rough start, but he was spared from taking a loss as New York's offense put up 10 runs to capture the win. |
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Jun 3 2022 | Cole (5-1) allowed two hits over seven scoreless frames Friday, striking out nine and earning a win over the Tigers. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole was dominant Friday, carrying a perfect game bid into the seventh inning before allowing a pair of two-out singles to Jonathan Schoop and Miguel Cabrera. The 31-year-old righty has struck out at least nine batters in five of his last six outings, posting a terrific 54:5 K:BB with a 2.66 ERA during that stretch. Cole is now sporting a 2.78 ERA and a 0.96 WHIP through 11 starts this season. He's projected to take the mound in Minnesota next week. |
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May 28 2022 | Cole allowed a run on two hits and three walks with 10 strikeouts in six innings versus the Rays on Saturday. He did not factor in the decision. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: This was Cole's third game with double-digit strikeouts, and also his third start where he's permitted multiple walks. The run he gave up came on a Randy Arozarena single in the sixth inning. Cole has logged quality starts in five of his last six outings. The Yankees' ace has a 3.12 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 72:15 K:BB across 57.2 innings in 10 starts overall. He owns a 4-1 record and will look to get back in the win column in a home start versus the Tigers next week. |
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May 23 2022 | Cole (4-1) allowed five runs on seven hits over eight innings Monday, striking out 11 and taking a loss against Baltimore. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole turned in an ugly final line but was mostly his usual self outside of Baltimore's four-run third inning headlined by Austin Hays' two-run single. He later coughed up a solo shot to Ramon Urias in the sixth. While his ERA jumped from 2.81 to 3.31 Monday, Cole improved his season K:BB to an impressive 62:12 through 51.2 frames, including a 35:2 K:BB over his last four starts. The 31-year-old is projected to start in Tampa Bay this weekend. |
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May 18 2022 | Cole (4-0) earned the win over Baltimore on Wednesday, pitching seven innings and allowing two runs on six hits while striking out five batters. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole demonstrated excellent control throughout the contest, throwing 70 of 97 pitches for strikes and yielding no walks for the first time this season. He didn't fan any batters through the first three innings, struck out five straight between the fourth and fifth frames, then went the rest of his outing without another punchout. The right-hander had a 6.35 ERA through his first three outings this season but has brought that number all the way down to 2.89 with five straight quality starts. His next start is lined up to be a rematch against the Orioles -- this time in New York -- early next week. |
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May 13 2022 | Cole (3-0) allowed three runs on six hits and one walk over 6.1 innings Friday, striking out nine and earning a win over the White Sox. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole gave up just one run on a balk through five innings of work. He then served up a two-run shot to Gavin Sheets in the sixth. The 31-year-old righty has racked up 34 strikeouts over his last 25.1 innings after beginning the season with 12 through 11.1 frames. Friday's contest was the first time he's allowed more than two runs since April 13. Cole will carry a 2.95 ERA into his projected start in Baltimore next week. |
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May 8 2022 | Cole allowed a run on five hits and a walk while striking out 10 in 6.1 innings during the win over the Rangers in the first game of Sunday's doubleheader. He didn't factor into the decision. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Although Cole had his scheduled start pushed back two days due to inclement weather, he didn't show much rust during Sunday's matinee. The right-hander posted a 6.35 ERA and 1.41 WHIP in 11.1 innings over his first three starts of the season, but he's lasted at least six innings in each of his last three outings while allowing just one run during that time. Cole projects to make his next start on the road against the White Sox on Friday. |
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May 7 2022 | Cole and the Yankees won't play Saturday against the Rangers after the game was postponed due to inclement weather. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole was initially slated to start Friday against Texas, but he'll be pushed back once again after a second consecutive game was postponed. Saturday's game will be made up Monday, while Cole will start in Sunday's matinee against the Rangers, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports. |
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May 6 2022 | Cole won't start as scheduled Friday against the Rangers since the game was postponed due to inclement weather. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The game will be made up via a doubleheader Sunday, while Cole will start Saturday's contest, Kristie Ackert of the New York Daily News reports. The veteran right-hander hasn't allowed a run over his past two starts with a 15:3 K:BB across 12.2 innings. |
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Apr 30 2022 | Cole (2-0) registered the win during Saturday's 3-0 victory against Kansas City, allowing five hits with six strikeouts in six scoreless innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: For the second straight start, Cole went at least six scoreless innings as he limited the Royals scoring threats to minor efforts in the third and sixth frames. The 31-year-old has now gone 12.2 innings without allowing a run after surrendering eight in his first 11.1 and now possesses a 3.00 ERA and 1.17 WHIP with 27 strikeouts in 24 innings across five turns. He currently lines up to pitch next on Friday against Texas. |
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Apr 24 2022 | Cole (1-0) allowed four hits and a walk while striking out nine in 6.2 scoreless innings to earn the win over the Guardians on Sunday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole hadn't recorded a quality start in any of his first three outings of the year, but he held the Guardians in check during Sunday's series finale to earn his first win of the season. The right-hander now has a 4.00 ERA and 1.17 WHIP in 18 innings this year, and he'll attempt to stay hot when he lines up to start Saturday's road matchup against the Royals. |
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Apr 19 2022 | Cole didn't factor in the decision Tuesday at Detroit after giving up two runs on one hit with five walks and three strikeouts over 1.2 innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander never found the zone Tuesday and delivered only 37 of his 68 pitches for strikes, resulting in the shortest start of his major-league career. It was a disastrous outing for Cole, and he ended up walking five of the 11 batters he faced, four of which came during the second frame. The 31-year-old lines up to pitch Sunday versus the Guardians and is in dire need of a standout performance with a 6.35 ERA through three starts this year. |
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Apr 14 2022 | Cole allowed three runs on four hits and a walk while striking out six in 5.2 innings during Wednesday's loss to the Blue Jays. He did not factor into the decision. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole was solid during his second outing of the season, but he couldn't get Vladimir Guerrero Jr. out, as the youngster racked up three hits off the ace, including two homers and three RBI. Cole tossed 85 pitches -- 17 more than Opening Day -- and appears to be fully ramped up following the delayed start to spring training. He tentatively lines up to start in Detroit on Tuesday. |
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Apr 8 2022 | Cole allowed three runs on four hits and a walk while striking out three in four innings during Friday's win over the Red Sox. He didn't factor into the decision. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The start of Cole's Opening Day start didn't go as planned, as the right-hander allowed a walk, a homer, a single and a double before recording an out. However, he settled down later in the outing and allowed just two baserunners during the rest of the outing. Cole tossed 68 pitches in his regular-season debut and will attempt to improve his results in his next outing. He tentatively lines up to start at home against the Blue Jays on Wednesday. |
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Apr 6 2022 | Cole and the Yankees won't face the Red Sox on Thursday after the game was postponed due to inclement weather, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The season opener will be postponed to Friday, which was initially an open date for both teams. Cole, who had been in line to start Thursday's Opening Day game, will simply be pushed back a day in light of the postponement, while Luis Severino and Jordan Montgomery are likely lined up to start the final two games of the series with Boston. |
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Mar 28 2022 | Cole pitched two innings in a Grapefruit League game against Pittsburgh on Sunday, allowing four runs (three earned) on four hits and one walk. He struck out five. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole looked strong in his first frame of the spring, retiring the side in order and picking up two punchouts. However, the Pirates stung him for a pair of runs in the second on a Diego Castillo long ball. Cole returned for the third inning but served up a leadoff homer to Cole Tucker and was pulled after the following two batters reached base. In more positive news, Cole touched 99 mph on his fastball and got five of his six outs via strikeout, which should be the most important takeaway given the context of the exhibition affair. |
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Mar 26 2022 | Cole will make his first start of the spring Sunday and is expected to throw around 50 pitches, Max Goodman of SI.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole is making his first appearance a bit later than other Yankees starters this spring, but he's not suffering from any injury issues. The veteran fireballer is expected to be fully ramped up by the start of the season and has typically been among the first few starting pitchers picked in fantasy drafts. |
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Oct 6 2021 | Cole (0-1) allowed three runs on four hits and two walks while striking out three in two innings to take the loss against the Red Sox in Tuesday's AL Wild Card Game. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole closed out the regular season with a 7.64 ERA and 1.58 WHIP in 17.2 innings across his last three starts, and he was unable to right the ship in Tuesday's winner-take-all matchup. He gave up a two-run blast in the first inning and exited the game with no outs in the third inning after he gave up a solo home run. The right-hander made 30 starts in his second season with the Yankees and posted a 3.23 ERA and 1.06 WHIP in 181.1 innings. |
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Oct 2 2021 | Cole will not start on short rest Sunday against Tampa Bay, James Wagner of The New York Times reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole was expected to start in the Yankees' season finale, though Jameson Taillon will take the mound instead. The move also clears the path for Cole to start in either a tiebreaker Monday or wild-card contest Tuesday. He'll conclude the campaign with a 3.23 ERA and 1.06 WHIP with 243 strikeouts across 181.1 frames. |
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Sep 30 2021 | Cole didn't factor into the decision in Wednesday's 6-5 loss to the Blue Jays, giving up five runs on nine hits over six innings. He struck out six. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Jays jumped on the right-hander right out of the gate, as George Springer drove Cole's first pitch of the night into the left-center field gap for a double, and all told seven of Toronto's nine hits off him went for extra bases -- including homers by Marcus Semien and Bo Bichette. If this was Cole's last outing of the regular season, he won't take much momentum into a potential playoff run for the Yankees, as he has a 5.13 ERA and 13.8 WHIP in September, albeit with a 43:9 K:BB through 33.1 innings. |
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Sep 25 2021 | Cole (16-8) picked up the win in Friday's 8-3 victory over the Red Sox, giving up three runs on five hits and three walks over six innings. He struck out six. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander blanked Boston through five innings before serving up a three-run shot to Rafael Devers in the sixth, but the Yankees already had a comfortable lead. The quality start was Cole's first in four outings and his 18th of the year, and he'll take a 3.08 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 237:41 K:BB through 175.1 innings into what's likely to be his final start of the regular season next week in a series against Toronto which could determine a wild-card spot. |
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Sep 19 2021 | Cole (15-8) allowed seven runs on 10 hits, a walk and a hit batter while striking out seven in 5.2 innings, taking the loss versus Cleveland on Sunday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cleveland puts runs on the board in four of the six innings Cole pitched in, including solo shots from Jose Ramirez and Roberto Perez in the fifth and sixth. Cole has been a bit generous with baserunners lately, allowing 19 hits and six walks in his last 14.1 innings across three starts. His ERA ticked up to 3.03 with a 1.03 WHIP and 231:38 K:BB through 169.1 innings overall. The Yankees' ace is projected for a road start in Boston next Friday, as an off day Thursday allows the team to work with a four-man rotation next week. |
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Sep 14 2021 | Cole (15-7) allowed one earned run on four hits and three walks while striking out seven over five innings to earn the win Tuesday against the Orioles. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole returned from a hamstring injury to make his first start since Sept. 7. He showed some rust early, allowing a leadoff double and two walks in the first frame. However, he settled in from there and allowed his only earned run in the fifth inning. Cole has been dominant across his last six starts, not once permitting more than two earned runs to maintain a 1.35 ERA with a 48:11 K:BB across 33.1 frames. Overall, Cole has a 2.75 ERA across 163.2 innings on the campaign. |
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Sep 13 2021 | Cole (hamstring) remains the Yankees' probable starter for Tuesday's game against the Orioles, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole exited his previous start against the Blue Jays last Tuesday due to left hamstring tightness, but reports about his return have remained optimistic. He'll wind up getting two extra days of rest, but it doesn't look as though he'll require a trip to the injured list, as he's gotten through a bullpen session without issues and is reportedly ready to go. |
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Sep 10 2021 | Manager Aaron Boone said Friday that the Yankees are "optimistic" Cole (hamstring) will be able to start Tuesday's game against the Orioles, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole left his start Tuesday against the Blue Jays with left hamstring tightness, but per Erik Boland of Newsday, he's no longer feeling any discomfort. According to Marly Rivera of ESPN.com, he will throw a bullpen Saturday, and so long as he comes out of the session feeling good, all signs point toward him toeing the rubber Tuesday in Baltimore. |
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Sep 9 2021 | Cole (hamstring) is expected to make a start early next week, Lindsey Adler of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole felt good after playing catch off flat ground Thursday, and he'll likely be able to make his next turn through the rotation after he exited Tuesday's appearance with a tight left hamstring. If the Yankees stay on turn in the rotation, the right-hander tentatively lines up to start Monday's game against Minnesota. |
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Sep 7 2021 | Manager Aaron Boone said Cole (hamstring) isn't scheduled to undergo an MRI and is "optimistic" the injury was caught early enough to avoid any real problems after leaving Tuesday's loss to the Blue Jays, Lindsey Adler of The Athletic reports. Cole (14-7) was charged with the loss after giving up three runs (two earned) on five hits with two strikeouts and two walks over 3.2 innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole's removal from Tuesday's contest appears to have been a precautionary move, though that doesn't automatically mean he'll be able to make his next turn through the rotation. The Yankees have lost eight of their past 10 games and can ill afford to be without their ace for any significant period down the stretch while attempting to secure a playoff spot. |
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Sep 1 2021 | Cole (14-6) earned the win Wednesday versus the Angels, striking out 15 in seven innings. He allowed one run on four hits and no walks. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander has returned to dominant form since a stint on the COVID-19 injured list. In his last four starts, Cole has allowed just two runs across 24.2 innings while posting a 39:4 K:BB in that span. He hasn't exactly faced strong competition in that stretch -- he's drawn the Angels twice along with the Athletics and Twins once each -- but he's handled the opposition in front of him with little trouble. For the season, Cole owns a 2.73 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 215:32 K:BB through 155 innings. He lines up for a home start versus heavy-hitting Toronto next week. |
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Aug 27 2021 | Cole (13-6) allowed six hits and two walks over six scoreless innings Friday, striking out nine and earning a win over Oakland. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Aside from a bases-loaded threat in the fifth inning, Cole rolled through six shutout frames without much resistance from the Athletics. It was his third straight win and second straight scoreless start, dropping his season ERA to 2.80 through 148 frames. Over his last three outings, Cole has given up one run over 17.2 innings (0.51 ERA) with a 24:4 K:BB. He's projected to face the Angels on the road next week. |
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Aug 21 2021 | Cole improved to 12-6 on the season Saturday against the Twins, striking out six while walking one and allowing five hits in six scoreless innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Twins rarely gave Cole much trouble outside of the fifth inning, where they loaded the bases with two outs, but Cole struck out a pair of batters to end the threat. His strikeout total was his lowest since July 4, but he's now allowed just a single earned run in 11.2 innings since returning from the COVID-19 injured list. He'll look to keep that run going in his next outing, which should come sometime in the four-game series against Oakland. |
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Aug 16 2021 | Cole (11-6) allowed one run on two hits and a walk while striking out nine in 5.2 innings to earn the win Monday against the Angels. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole missed two weeks after testing positive for COVID-19, but he was sharp in his return to the mound Monday. He gave up a two-out homer in the top of the first inning but allowed just two baserunners across the next four frames. The righty tossed 90 pitches in the outing despite not making any rehab appearances prior to his return to the Yankees. Cole has been somewhat inconsistent across his last seven appearances, as he's posted a 3-3 record with a 4.81 ERA and 1.27 WHIP in 39.1 innings during that time. He tentatively lines up to make his next start at home against the Twins on Saturday. |
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Aug 15 2021 | Manager Aaron Boone said Cole (COVID-19) will return from the injured list Monday and start against the Angels, Lindsey Adler of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole landed on the shelf Aug. 2 after testing positive for COVID-19, and he'll rejoin New York's rotation exactly two weeks later. The right-hander could have a more limited workload in his first start back, but he shouldn't face significant limitations given the brevity of the absence. |
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Aug 10 2021 | Manager Aaron Boone said Cole (COVID-19) could rejoin the Yankees this weekend to throw a bullpen session, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole was placed on the injured list Aug. 2 after testing positive for COVID-19, but he's closing in on his return to the Yankees. The 30-year-old could rejoin the rotation next week if he throws this weekend with no issues. |
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Aug 2 2021 | Cole will not make his scheduled start Tuesday against the Orioles after testing positive for COVID-19, Jack Curry of YES Network reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Following the positive test, Cole will be placed on the COVID injured list, where he'll spend at least 10 days. Skipper Aaron Boone stated Nestor Cortes will likely get the nod Tuesday in Cole's place, per SNY Yankees. |
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Jul 29 2021 | Cole (10-6) allowed eight runs (seven earned) on six hits and two walks while striking out 10 across 5.1 innings to take the loss Thursday against the Rays. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole faltered in the opening inning, with the big blow being a three-run home run by Austin Meadows. After that, Cole retired 12 of the next 13 batters he faced. However, he exited with one out and the bases loaded in the sixth inning. Brett Phillips hit a grand slam two batters later, which only worsened Cole's line. Cole had been on a strong run of starts prior to this effort, as he had allowed only four earned runs across his last 20 innings -- a three-start span -- while striking out an impressive 31 hitters. The outing inflated his ERA to 3.11 on the season. |
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Jul 23 2021 | Cole (10-5) was tagged with the loss Friday against the Red Sox after allowing three runs on six hits and two walks while fanning eight across five innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole gave up a two-run shot to Rafael Devers and gave up his three runs during the bottom of the fifth. The star hurler was coming off back-to-back quality starts and had allowed just one earned run over his last 15 innings, but he was unable to repeat that kind of performance in this one and failed to pitch more than five frames for the third time over his last five starts. |
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Jul 18 2021 | Cole (10-4) took the win Saturday against Boston, tossing six innings and allowing one run on five hits and two walks while striking out 11. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Yankees' ace gave up a second-inning run but was otherwise dominant against the division-rival Red Sox. He threw 96 pitches across six frames before the game was called due to heavy rain. Despite the shortened affair, Cole notched double-digit strikeouts for seventh time this season. Over his past two starts, he has struck out 23 across 15 frames while allowing only one run and eight hits. His next start is scheduled to be a rematch versus Boston, this time on the road, late next week. |
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Jul 10 2021 | Cole (9-4) pitched a shutout, allowing just three hits and two walks while striking out 12 in nine innings in Saturday's 1-0 win over Houston. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander put an exclamation point on the end of the first half of the season, as all three hits he allowed were singles. Cole had notably struggled in his last six starts amid MLB's crackdown on sticky substances, but he was in his finest form Saturday, and he retired Yordan Alvarez on a 99 mph fastball to complete the shutout. The stellar outing lowered Cole's ERA to 2.68 with a 0.93 WHIP and 147:22 K:BB across 114 innings. He'll likely take the mound some point in next weekend's four-game series versus Boston coming out of the All-Star break. |
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Jul 4 2021 | Cole yielded four runs on six hits and three walks over 3.1 innings in a loss to the Mets in Game 1 of Sunday's doubleheader. He struck out six and did not factor in the decision. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole was taken deep by Dominic Smith for a solo shot in the first inning but held the Mets to just a run through the first three frames. In the fourth, he allowed five of the first six batters to reach base before he was removed from the game with 80 pitches. It was the first time this season he didn't complete at least five innings. Over his last six starts, Cole has given up 21 runs (20 earned) over 34.1 innings, bumping his season ERA to 2.91. He's projected to take the mound in Houston next week. |
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Jun 27 2021 | Cole (8-4) took the loss versus Boston on Sunday. He gave up six runs (five earned) on eight hits and two walks while striking out six over five innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole was done in by the long ball Sunday -- Boston tagged him for three home runs in the contest. The right-hander has now allowed nine homers in his last five starts, as the talk continues of how being monitored more closely for tacky substances could potentially be affecting Cole's spin rate and ultimately his effectiveness. Sunday was also the third time he's given up five earned runs, all since May 17. The Yankees' ace has a 2.66 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and 129:17 K:BB across 101.2 innings. He'll look to get back on track at home next weekend in the Subway Series versus the Mets. |
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Jun 22 2021 | Cole took a no-decision during Tuesday's loss to the Royals after allowing two runs on three hits and three walks while striking out six across seven innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Despite a solid outing, the Yankees bullpen failed hold up and get Cole the win. While the 30-year-old pitched into at least the seventh inning for the seventh time this year, he did issue an uncharacteristically high three free passes. Regardless, his 122 strikeouts through his first 15 starts are the most by any Yankees pitcher in his first 15 starts of the season. Cole will carry a 2.33 ERA and 0.85 WHIP into his next projected outing Sunday at Boston. |
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Jun 17 2021 | Cole (8-3) picked up the win Wednesday, allowing two runs on four hits and a walk over eight innings in a 3-2 victory over the Blue Jays. He struck out four. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The four whiffs tied a season low for Cole, and the right-hander was in line for the loss after serving up two solo homers earlier in the night until Gary Sanchez launched a two-run shot in the seventh to put the Yankees ahead. Cole has a remarkable 11 quality starts in 14 trips to the mound this year but he hasn't recorded double-digit strikeouts since May 12, posting a 3.65 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 39:9 K:BB through 37 innings over his last six outings. |
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Jun 9 2021 | Cole (7-3) allowed two earned runs on five hits while striking out nine across six innings, earning the win over the Twins on Wednesday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole's two runs allowed came on a pair of solo home runs, one by Jorge Polanco in the third inning and the other by Miguel Sano in the fifth inning. After walking eight batters in his last four starts, Cole was back to his normal self, not walking anyone Wednesday. His nine strikeouts were also the most he recorded in a start since May 12 against the Rays. The 30-year-old has a 2.31 ERA and a 0.87 WHIP in 81.2 innings. He has the third-highest K/9 rate in the American League with a 12.5 K/9. |
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Jun 3 2021 | Cole (6-3) allowed five runs on five hits and two walks while striking out seven in five innings to take the loss against the Rays on Thursday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole has been somewhat inconsistent recently, and he's now allowed at least five runs in two of his last four outings. However, the right-hander has posted quality starts in nine of his 12 starts to begin the year and has still earned six wins during that time. Cole has now posted a 2.26 ERA and 104:11 K:BB in 75.2 innings this season. He tentatively lines up to make his next start on the road against the Twins on Tuesday. |
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May 28 2021 | Cole allowed one earned run on six hits and one walk while striking out five across six innings in the loss to the Tigers on Friday. He did not factor into the decision. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The only run charged against Cole came in the third inning on a Jeimer Candelario single that scored Robbie Grossman. Cole has posted a quality start in nine of his 11 starts. His only bad start came against the Rangers where he gave up five runs in five innings. Despite having just five punchouts Friday, Cole is fourth in all of baseball with a 12.4 K/9. In addition, he leads the American League with a 1.78 ERA and a 10.78 K/BB through 70.2 innings this season. |
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May 22 2021 | Cole (6-2) earned the win Saturday against the White Sox after giving up four hits with seven strikeouts and three walks over seven shutout innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 30-year-old didn't have his best commanded as he issued three walks after walking only five batters through his first nine starts of the season, but he still kept Chicago off the board. Cole has a 1.81 ERA, 0.80 WHIP and 92:7 K:BB across 64.2 innings this season. |
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May 17 2021 | Cole (5-2) took the loss Monday, giving up five runs on seven hits and two walks over five-plus innings as the Yankees were downed 5-2 by the Rangers. He struck out seven. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander was uncharacteristically hittable, as Monday's outing was the first time all season Cole gave up more base knocks than innings pitched. The walks were also his first in over a month, and in between he set a new major-league record by striking out 61 batters without issuing a free pass -- breaking the mark of 58 set by Corbin Burnes just last week. Cole will take a 2.03 ERA and absurd 85:5 K:BB through 57.2 innings into his next outing. |
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May 13 2021 | Cole (5-1) pitched eight shutout innings while allowing four hits and striking out 12 as he picked up a win over the Rays on Wednesday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It was a historic day for Cole as Wednesday was his fifth start this season of at least 10 strikeouts and no walks, which broke Mike Mussina's single-season team record from 2001. He also notched his 1,500th career strikeout in the third inning and became the fourth fastest pitcher in MLB history to reach that milestone. The 30-year-old last walked a batter April 12 and has struck out 56 since then, which ties Curt Schilling for the longest such streak in a season since at least 1961. The right-hander has the third-best ERA among qualified pitchers at 1.37, the second-best WHIP at 0.68, and trails only Shane Beiber with 78 strikeouts over 52.2 innings. He'll look to continue his dominant form in a favorable matchup against the Rangers at the beginning of next week. |
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May 6 2021 | Cole allowed two earned runs on five hits and no walks while striking out four across seven innings Thursday against the Astros. He did not factor into the decision. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole allowed two solo home runs -- both to Yordan Alvarez -- but otherwise held Houston without an extra-base hit. It was somewhat of a down performance in the sense that Cole only managed four strikeouts, but the rest of his line was still very strong. For the season, Cole has maintained a 1.61 ERA with a sensational 66:3 K:BB across 44.2 innings. He currently lines up to draw his next start Wednesday at Tampa Bay. |
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Apr 30 2021 | Cole (4-1) allowed four hits and no walks while striking out 12 in six scoreless innings to earn the win against the Tigers on Friday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole racked up double-digit strikeouts for the fourth time this season. The right-hander only pitched 5.1 innings in his Opening Day start, but he's lasted at least six innings in each of his last five outings. Cole now carries a 1.43 ERA, 0.72 WHIP and 62:3 K:BB in 37.2 innings this season. He tentatively lines up to make his next start at home against the Astros on Thursday. |
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Apr 25 2021 | Cole (3-1) picked up the win in Saturday's 2-1 victory over Cleveland, allowing one run on three hits over seven innings. He struck out 11 without walking a batter. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Matched up against Shane Bieber in a battle of AL Cy Young Award favorites, Cole put up the better performance, firing 75 of 111 pitches for strikes and fanning double-digit batters for the third time in five starts this season. He'll take a 1.71 ERA and incredible 50:3 K:BB through 31.2 innings into his next outing Friday at home against the Tigers. |
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Apr 18 2021 | Cole (2-1) allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits and no walks while striking out 10 in 6.1 innings to take the loss against the Rays on Sunday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole had earned wins in each of his last two starts, but he was charged with his first loss of the year by giving up a season-high three runs against Tampa Bay. The right-hander has been quite sharp early in his second season with the Yankees and has posted a 1.82 ERA, 0.81 WHIP and 39:3 K:BB in 24.2 innings across four starts. Cole will attempt to return to the win column on the road against Cleveland on Friday. |
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Apr 12 2021 | Cole (2-0) picked up the win in Monday's 3-1 victory over the Blue Jays, allowing one run on three hits and a walk over six innings. He struck out eight. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Jays strung together a couple hits in the first inning to squeeze across a run, but after that Cole was in full control. The right-hander fired 65 of 98 pitches for strikes and retired the final 15 batters he faced. Cole will take a 1.47 ERA and dominant 29:3 K:BB through 18.1 innings into his next outing, set for Saturday at home against the Rays. |
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Apr 6 2021 | Cole (1-0) earned the win by twirling seven scoreless frames with 13 strikeouts against the Orioles on Tuesday, allowing four hits and no walks. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Coming off a solid Opening Day start during which he notched eight strikeouts, throwing 62 of his 97 pitches for strikes, Cole put his brilliance on full display against Baltimore, sending 13 batters down swinging while throwing 71-of-97 pitches for strikes. In fact, Cole's 13 strikeouts marked a regular season-high in a Yankees uniform. Meanwhile, the right-hander's strong outing lifted New York to their 12th straight home victory against the Orioles. Cole will look to remain in the win column on the road Monday at Toronto. |
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Mar 26 2021 | Cole pitched 5.2 innings against Baltimore in a Grapefruit League game Friday, allowing no runs on two hits and no walks while striking out five. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole threw 88 pitches in his final warmup before taking the mound for the Yankees on Opening Day. He finishes spring play with a 2.45 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 24:3 K:BB across 18.1 innings and has looked every bit the ace that fantasy managers who invest a first-round draft pick on the right-hander expect him to be. |
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Mar 21 2021 | The Yankees are planning on Cole throwing 200 innings this season, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Last year's shortened season is bound to affect pitchers' workloads this year, though it sounds as though the Yankees don't plan on doing things differently. Cole threw 73.0 innings last season during the regular season and 18.1 more in the playoffs, so jumping to 200 frames this year would be quite the leap. It's possible Cole won't be able to meet that goal, though there's no particular reason why he would be any less likely to do so than any other starter. |
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Mar 16 2021 | Cole hurled 3.2 innings against Detroit in a Grapefruit League game Tuesday, allowing two runs on three hits and one walk while striking out five. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole mostly kept the Tigers off the basepaths, but he was burned by a pair of second-inning solo homers. The long balls were the first allowed by the Yankee ace this spring. Across three Grapefruit League starts, Cole has pitched 7.2 frames, allowing four runs and posting an 11:2 K:BB. |
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Mar 11 2021 | Cole allowed one run on three hits and no walks while striking out five across three innings in Thursday's Grapefruit League win over Philadelphia. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole's previous start was scratched due to inclement weather, so this was the ace's second start of the spring. He gave up a third-inning run but was otherwise on top of his game, throwing 38 of his 50 pitches for strikes. Cole should get a few more chances to pitch in exhibition play before toeing the mound for the Yankees on Opening Day. |
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Mar 5 2021 | Cole will toss a live batting practice session Saturday instead of starting the Grapefruit League contest against Pittsburgh, Pete Caldera of The Bergen Record reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole is not dealing with any issues; the team has simply decided to keep him in Tampa due to a rainy forecast in Bradenton, where the exhibition game is scheduled to be played. Look for Cole to continue on his regular throwing schedule and make his second spring appearance near the end of next week. |
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Mar 2 2021 | Cole threw 28 pitches in one inning of work against the Tigers on Monday, allowing one run on three hits and a walk. He struck out one batter and did not factor in the decision. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole looked rusty in his first Grapefruit League appearance, though all three hits against him were singles. He escaped with only one run crossing the plate by stranding the bases loaded. The right-hander will have plenty of time to settle in this spring before toeing the mound for the Yankees on Opening Day against Toronto. |
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Feb 22 2021 | Cole was named the Yankees' Opening Day starter as expected Monday, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole would be the Opening Day starter for pretty much any team in the league, with the possible exception of the Yankees' local rivals. The righty should be in a close battle with Mets ace Jacob deGrom to be the first pitcher off the board in most fantasy drafts this year following three straight dominant seasons. He owns a 2.71 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 36.6 percent strikeout rate over that stretch. |
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Oct 8 2020 | Cole won't be available for Game 4 of the ALDS against the Rays on Thursday but would start the decisive Game 5 on short rest Friday should the Yankees manage to extend the series, Lindsey Adler of The Athletic reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole has allowed five runs in 13 innings while striking out 21 and walking just two so far in the playoffs. He helped the Yankees to their only win of the series thus far in Game 1 and is seemingly still the team's top option for Game 5 even if not fully rested. |
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Oct 6 2020 | Cole allowed three runs on six hits and two walks while striking out eight over six innings Monday in a win over the Rays in Game 1 of the ALDS. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The ball was flying at the neutral-site location of Petco Park in San Diego -- there were six home runs hit in the game, two off Cole. Cole was his usual dominant self otherwise, inducing 18 swinging strikes on 97 pitches. The 30-year-old could theoretically go again Friday on short rest, if a Game 5 is necessary. |
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Sep 29 2020 | Cole (1-0) allowed six hits while striking out 13, recording the victory Tuesday against the Indians in Game 1 of the Wild Card Round. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole outdueled Shane Bieber in a game where everyone expected a pitcher's duel, lasting seven innings. The Yankees ace threw 73 of his 105 pitches for strikes, fanning an impressive 13 batters. The right-hander recorded a 2.84 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and a 3.89 FIP. The 30-year-old's next chance at taking the mound would be if the Yankees advance to the AL Division Series. |
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Sep 22 2020 | Cole (7-3) earned the win Tuesday against the Blue Jays after allowing one run on five hits with seven strikeouts and one walk over seven innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 30-year-old pounded the strikezone Tuesday, delivering 77 of his 108 pitches for strikes while only giving up a solo homer to Cavan Biggio. Cole could pitch Sunday's regular-season finale on the usual four days rest, but the Yankees likely will hold him for the first game of the playoffs. Assuming that's the case, the right-hander finishes the 2020 campaign with a 2.84 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 94:18 K:BB across 73 innings. |
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Sep 20 2020 | Cole's next start has been pushed to Tuesday against Toronto, Pete Caldera of The Bergen Record reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole was originally on schedule to pitch Monday, but he'll get an extra day of rest as the Yankees set up their playoff rotation. He'll presumably be on the mound for New York's first game of the postseason. |
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Sep 16 2020 | Cole (6-3) allowed one earned run on three hits and two walks while striking out eight across seven innings to earn the win Wednesday against the Blue Jays. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole dominated the Blue Jays, with the only blemish coming in the sixth inning when he allowed a leadoff double to Jonathan Villar, who ultimately came around to score. He generated 14 swinging strikes on 95 pitches and has now struck out at least eight batters in seven of his last eight starts. Overall, Cole has maintained a 3.00 ERA with a stellar 87:17 K:BB across 66 frames. He's lined up to take his next turn through the rotation Monday at Toronto. |
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Sep 11 2020 | Cole (5-3) scattered two hits and a walk over seven shutout innings Friday to pick up the win in the first game of a doubleheader against the Orioles. He struck out nine. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The O's never even got a runner into scoring position against the right-hander, and he threw 74 of his 114 pitches for strikes en route to his second shutout of the season -- although neither one was a traditional nine-inning effort. Cole will take a 3.20 ERA and 79:15 K:BB through 59 innings into his next outing Wednesday, at home against the Blue Jays. |
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Sep 10 2020 | Cole's scheduled start Thursday against the Orioles was postponed. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Yankees and Orioles will make up Thursday's contest as a doubleheader Friday. Cole will start the first game of the twin bill, James Wagner of The New York Times reports. |
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Sep 5 2020 | Cole (4-3) allowed five runs (one earned) on four hits and two walks while striking out 10 in Saturday's loss to the Orioles. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole struck out eight of the first nine batters he faced. His second turn through the order wasn't as good, and a Thairo Estrada error in the sixth would ultimately lead to four extra runs charged to Cole. He's now lost three straight starts. The right-hander has a 3.63 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 70 strikeouts through 52 innings this season. Cole will look to stop his skid Thursday in a rematch with the Orioles. |
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Aug 31 2020 | Cole (4-2) took the loss Monday as the Yankees fell 5-3 to the Rays, giving up four runs on eight hits and four walks over five innings. He struck out seven. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander labored early before settling down, and Cole ended up needing 103 pitches (65 strikes) to record his 15 outs. Homers continue to plague him -- he's given up multiple long balls in each of his last three starts, and at least one home run in every start to begin 2020. Cole will carry a 3.91 ERA, but a still impressive 60:12 K:BB through 46 innings, into his next outing Saturday in Baltimore. |
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Aug 26 2020 | Cole (4-1) took the loss in Game 1 of Wednesday's doubleheader in Atlanta after surrendering five runs on five hits with nine strikeouts and two walks over five innings. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Leadoff man Ronald Acuna hit a 473-blast on Cole's sixth pitch of the game, and things didn't improve much the rest of the afternoon. Cole has a 3.51 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 53:8 K:BB over 41 innings, and he'll look to get back in the win column Monday versus Tampa Bay. |
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Aug 25 2020 | Cole won't start as scheduled Tuesday in Atlanta since the game was postponed due to inclement weather, Gabe Burns of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Yankees didn't play all weekend due to the Mets producing a couple positive tests for COVID-19, and their return to play Tuesday has now been pushed back by weather. The Braves and Yankees will play a traditional doubleheader Wednesday, and Cole will take the mound for the matinee, according to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com. |
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Aug 19 2020 | Cole allowed two earned runs on six hits and one walk while striking out 10 across 6.2 innings Wednesday against the Rays. He did not factor into the decision. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole surrendered a pair of solo home runs, but looked dominant otherwise. He racked up 22 called strikes and 19 swinging strikes on 109 total pitches, allowing him to rack up double-digit punchouts for the second time this season. Cole now owns a 2.75 ERA with a 44:6 K:BB ratio across 36 innings. He's penciled in to draw his next start Tuesday at Atlanta. |
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Aug 15 2020 | Cole (4-0) allowed one run on four hits and no walks while striking out eight over seven innings as he earned the win Friday against the Red Sox. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: In his first start since a short outing against the Rays, Cole returned to the win column by stifling Boston's offense. His performance at home against the Red Sox was his most productive since he signed a monster deal with the Yankees during the offseason. In five starts this season, the right-hander carries a 2.76 ERA and 0.85 WHIP over 29.1 innings. He'll look to continue his dominant run at home Wednesday against the Rays. |
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Aug 10 2020 | Cole noted after Saturday's outing that he made a change to his delivery, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports. "I made a little tweak with my delivery, staying over my legs a little better," Cole said. "I thought that increased a little bit of the deception and allowed me to get through the baseball at the end, really starting to nail my spin axis. At times, it's been a little inconsistent. Today we were really repeating for the most part until a few pitches towards the end." | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: If deception was the goal, Cole's mechanical adjustment certainly paid off -- the right-hander whiffed 10 batters in 4.2 frames after averaging less than a strikeout per inning through his first three starts. The outcome wasn't all positive, however, as Cole allowed a season-high six hits and gave up three runs. The 29-year-old holds a 3.22 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 26:5 K:BB in 22.1 innings this season. |
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Aug 8 2020 | Cole struck out 10 batters and walked just one in the first game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Rays but allowed three runs on six hits in 4.2 innings and therefore wasn't eligible to pick up the win. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole cruised through the first four innings before running into trouble in the fifth, allowing an RBI double to Ji-Man Choi before giving up a two-run homer to Jose Martinez. He has a strong 29.5 percent strikeout rate through his first four starts this season, though that's over 10 percentage points below his incredible 39.9 percent mark from last season. His 3.22 ERA is also quite difficult to complain about, though it's well above his 2.50 mark from 2019. |
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Aug 3 2020 | Cole (3-0) gave up one earned run on five hits and one walk while striking out four in six innings Monday against the Phillies. He picked up the win. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: There was a lengthy rain delay after Cole had finished six innings, and he did not get sent out for the seventh. He threw 91 pitches and 58 for strikes. Cole didn't have his best command in this one, but he was still in control throughout. His next start will come this weekend against the Rays. |
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Aug 1 2020 | Cole may still make his scheduled start Monday, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Monday's game against Philadelphia was initially slated to be postponed, but the decision was reportedly reversed Saturday. With so much uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, whether the game will be played as scheduled remains to be seen. If the two teams are able to suit up Monday, Cole should be in line to take the mound for the Yankees, although no official announcement has been made. |
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Jul 29 2020 | Cole (2-0) earned the win against Baltimore on Wednesday, completing 6.2 innings and allowing three runs on four hits and two walks while striking out seven. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole's final stat line may look moderately underwhelming considering the opponent, but he breezed through his first six innings allowing only one hit -- a first inning run-scoring double off the bat of Jose Iglesias -- before tiring in the seventh. He was lifted following his 102nd pitch after allowing three straight extra-base hits, including a two-run home run to Dwight Smith. Cole will face the Orioles again -- this time on the road -- in his next scheduled start Monday. |
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Jul 28 2020 | Yankees manager Aaron Boone said that Cole will make his next start Wednesday against the Orioles, Marly Rivera of ESPN.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole was initially lined up for a two-start week that included a turn against the Phillies on Tuesday, but both of the Yankees' games in Philadelphia ended up being postponed due to coronavirus-related concerns. With MLB having since altered the Yankees' schedule and having booked matchups versus Baltimore at Camden Yards on Wednesday and Thursday, Boone indicated that Cole would get the ball for the first contest, while J.A. Happ likely gets the nod in the second game. Cole turned in an impressive debut July 23 in the season-opening win over the Nationals, striking out five over five frames while giving up one run (a solo homer to Adam Eaton). |
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Jul 23 2020 | Cole earned the win in Thursday's rain-shortened contest against Washington, pitching five innings and allowing one run on one hit and one walk while striking out five. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole lived up to his massive contract in his first start with New York, allowing only a first-inning home run to Adam Eaton and a fifth-inning walk to Asdrubal Cabrera while throwing 46 of 75 pitches for strikes. The right-hander would have likely pitched at least another inning if not for a torrid rainstorm that resulted in the contest being called after five innings. Cole will look to build on his impressive first start of the season when he faces the Phillies on the road Tuesday. |
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Jul 18 2020 | Cole tossed 5.2 innings in an intrasquad game Friday, unofficially allowing two runs on four hits while striking out seven, per Pete Caldera of The Bergen Record. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole hit one batter and didn't allow any walks. He served up back-to-back home runs to Mike Ford and Miguel Andujar but otherwise kept his teammates in check. Cole's next outing will take on much more significance -- he's scheduled to be on the mound against Washington on Thursday in the first regular-season MLB game of the 2020 campaign. After having worked up to 87 pitches Friday, New York's ace is expected to take on a full workload Opening Day. |
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Jul 14 2020 | Cole is not expected to pitch in any of the Yankees' three exhibition games, Pete Caldera of The Bergen Record reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole's regular pitching schedule has him in line to pitch a simulated game Friday, so he'll sit out the team's trio of exhibition contests against the Mets on Saturday and Sunday and against the Phillies on Monday. Cole has already worked up to 84 pitches in intrasquad action and has looked sharp thus far in summer camp, so he should be ready to assume a normal workload when he takes the mound against Washington on Opening Day. |
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Jul 12 2020 | Cole gave up zero runs on four hits and one walk while striking out nine in 5.2 innings in Sunday's intrasquad game, James Smyth of YES Network reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He built up to 84 pitches and looked quite good while facing what amounted to the junior varsity Yankees lineup -- Mike Tauchman, Miguel Andujar and Clint Frazier were the three best hitters in the opposing order. Cole is on track to have zero workload restrictions Opening Day. |
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Jul 7 2020 | Cole pitched five innings in an intrasquad game Tuesday, allowing one run on one hit and two walks while striking out six, Pete Caldera of The Bergen Record reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole gave up a home run to Miguel Andjuar in the first inning, but the staff ace was otherwise dominant, retiring the final 10 batters he faced. Perhaps most impressively, Cole was able to complete five frames, unofficially tossing 67 pitches -- 45 of which were strikes. That bodes well for the right-hander's readiness to hit the ground running when he faces the Nationals in the opening game of the MLB season July 23. |
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Jul 3 2020 | Cole expects to be able to throw at least five innings at the start of the regular season after throwing 40-45 pitches Thursday, Brendan Kuty of The Newark Star-Ledger reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Pitchers will likely be coming into the season at varying levels of readiness, depending on how well they were able to stay sharp at home over the last few months. It's a positive for Cole that he expects to be able to pitch long enough to earn a win even in his first start of the year, though it does sound like he'll be at least somewhat limited. In other positive Cole-related news, James Wagner of The New York Times reports that Cole's wife, Amy, gave birth to the couple's first child Tuesday, which means he won't need to be away from the team for paternity leave during the season. |
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Jul 2 2020 | Cole tossed a three-inning sim game at Yankee Stadium on Thursday, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Though the first official team workout is scheduled for Saturday, Cole got a head start against teammates Aaron Judge (rib), Aaron Hicks (elbow) and Luke Voit. According to pitching coach Matt Blake, the new staff ace hit 95-99 on his fastball and is "in a really good spot" in terms of his preparation for the regular season. Cole is expected to be on the mound against whomever the Yankees face on Opening Day. |
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Jun 30 2020 | Cole has been keeping in shape, but Yankees' general manager Brian Cashman is uncertain if the ace will be ready to throw 100 pitches by Opening Day, Brendan Kuty of The Newark Star-Ledger reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole's uncertain workload is hardly cause for concern since most MLB starters are likely to be in the same position considering the long layoff and limited time available to ramp up activity during spring training 2.0. It's reasonable to expect the Yankees to be cautious with Cole given the money ($324 million) and time (nine years) invested in him during the offseason. |
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Apr 6 2020 | Cole has been throwing in the backyard of teammate Adam Ottavino, Brendan Kuty of NJ Advance Media reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Despite the suspension of spring training and shutdown of team facilities to most players, Cole appears intent on keeping in shape in anticipation of an eventual return to action. The Yankees' key offseason signing is expected to be the club's Opening Day starter when the regular season commences. |
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Mar 10 2020 | Cole allowed one run on two hits while striking out six against Toronto in his fourth Grapefruit League start. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole was much sharper Tuesday than in his previous spring start during which he allowed six earned runs over two innings. Per George A. King III of the New York Post, the right-hander hit 100 mph with his final pitch of the third inning against the Blue Jays. Cole threw 55 pitches in the outing -- 36 for strikes -- as he nears readiness for taking the mound Opening Day. |
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Mar 6 2020 | Cole pitched two innings in a spring start against Detroit on Thursday, allowing six runs on six hits and one walk. He struck out three. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole was slated to go three innings in his third Cactus League appearance, but he didn't make it that far. The damage was primarily inflicted by Travis Demeritte and Miguel Cabrera, who hit back-to-back homers against him in the first inning and then repeated the feat in the second. For what it's worth, Cole indicated that he had a fever earlier in the week that he thought "might have been strep," per Bryan Hoch of MLB.com. Whether or not the illness factored into Thursday's shelling, there's little reason to be concerned about the outcome of a spring-training game. |
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Feb 29 2020 | Cole held the Tigers scoreless over 2.2 innings Saturday, allowing two hits and striking out two. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole looked every bit the ace the Yankees are paying him to be, throwing 21 of 30 pitches for strikes in the efficient outing. The 29-year-old has yet to allow a run in 3.2 innings of Grapefruit League play. |
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Feb 24 2020 | Cole pitched a scoreless inning in his Yankees debut Monday, allowing one walk and striking out two batters in a tie with Pittsburgh. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole allowed a walk to Cole Tucker after getting ahead in the count 0-2, but he was otherwise impressive in his first game action with the team that signed him to a massive nine-year contract in the offseason. He threw 20 total pitches -- 12 of which were strikes -- and induced a pop out in addition to his two strikeouts. |
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Feb 19 2020 | Cole will make his first spring training start against Pittsburgh on Monday, Pete Caldera of The Bergen Record reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole's exhibition debut will come in the Yankees' third game of the spring. The 29-year-old indicated Wednesday that he will be limited to one inning in the contest. It is a foregone conclusion that Cole will start on Opening Day after New York signed him to a record-setting nine-year, $324 million contract in the offseason. |
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Feb 16 2020 | Cole threw 27 pitches, all of which were fastballs and changeups, during a simulated game Sunday, Brendan Kuty of NJ Advance Media reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole's simulated game came in front of teammates, media and a crowd of more than 1,000 fans who gave him a standing ovation at the end of the session. The Yankees' prized offseason signing plans to hurl one more simulated game before taking part in contests during spring training. |
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Dec 10 2019 | Cole agreed to nine-year contract worth $324 million with the Yankees on Tuesday, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 29-year-old will receive $36 million per year from New York after finishing a close second to former teammate Justin Verlander for the American League Cy Young award. Cole delivered a 2.50 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and 326:48 K:BB over 212.1 innings during 2019 and is set to serve as the Yankees' ace for the foreseeable future. The deal sets a record in average annual value and contract length for a pitcher, per Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. |
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Nov 14 2019 | Cole rejected a qualifying offer from the Astros on Thursday, making him a free agent, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole's decision to reject the one-year, $17.8 million qualifying offer is not a surprising one, as the right-hander is expected to command a hefty price tag in free agency. The Astros will now be able to receive draft-pick compensation if he signs elsewhere after posting a 2.50 ERA with a 326:48 K:BB in 2019. |
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Nov 4 2019 | Cole received a qualifying offer from the Astros on Monday, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The decision to tender the offer was a no-brainer for Houston, and Cole's decision to refuse the one-year, $17.8 million deal will be equally obvious. The Astros are now set to receive draft-pick compensation should he sign elsewhere. |
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Oct 21 2019 | Cole will start Game 1 of the World Series against the Nationals on Tuesday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole had been behind Justin Verlander in the Astros' postseason rotation but will jump ahead of him due to Verlander pitching in the ALCS on Friday. Cole has allowed a single run in 22.2 innings of work this postseason, striking out 32 batters while walking eight. |
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Oct 18 2019 | Cole is set to start Game 7 against the Yankees on Sunday if the series extends, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole was lights-out in Game 3, firing seven scoreless frames while fanning seven, and should the Yankees push the series to Game 7, he'll have a chance to lead his squad to the World Series on Sunday. Through three October appearances, he owns a stunning 0.40 ERA and 0.79 WHIP with 32 punchouts across 22.2 innings. |
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Oct 15 2019 | Cole (1-0) picked up the win with seven scoreless innings against the Yankees on Tuesday in Game 3 of the ALCS, giving up four hits and five walks with seven strikeouts. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The five walks were uncharacteristic for Cole, who did not walk more than three batters in any regular-season start in 2019. But he overcame spotty command, not to mention a lengthy delay after an injury to home plate umpire Jeff Nelson, to log his second scoreless outing in his three postseason starts. Cole is now 3-0 with a 0.40 ERA with a 32:8 K:BB ratio in 22.2 innings during the 2019 playoffs and last took a loss on -- wait for it -- May 22. He is very good. |
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Oct 11 2019 | Cole will start Game 3 of the ALCS against the Yankees on Tuesday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole was the Astros' best pitcher in the ALDS against the Rays, winning both of his starts while striking out 25 batters and allowing just one run on six hits in 15.2 innings of work. He'll be pitching on normal rest for Game 3 and could return on short rest for Game 6 or full rest for Game 7 if either game is necessary. |
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Oct 8 2019 | Cole will start Game 5 of the ALDS against the Rays on Thursday, Brian T. Smith of the Houston Chronicle reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Astros were unable to secure a win in Tampa Bay after winning the first two games of the series, leaving Cole to be called upon for the winner-take-all game. The 29-year-old delivered a dominant performance in Game 2, giving up only four hits and one walk over 7.2 shutout innings while racking up 15 strikeouts. Tyler Glasnow will take the mound for the Rays. |
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Oct 2 2019 | Cole will start Game 2 of the ALDS on Saturday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle | reports. |
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Oct 2 2019 | Cole will start Game 2 of the ALDS on Saturday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole would be the Game 1 starter for nearly every other time after finishing the year with a 2.50 ERA, a 0.89 WHIP and a record-high (among qualified starters) 39.9 percent strikeout rate. On the Astros, however, he'll follow fellow Cy Young contender Justin Verlander, who gets the nod for Game 1. |
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Sep 29 2019 | Cole (20-5) gave up one run on four hits and two walks while striking out 10 through five innings to earn the win over the Angels on Sunday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole registered 20 swinging strikes and 14 called strikes on only 92 pitches in the win. It has been an amazing run for Cole, as he became the first pitcher in MLB history to record nine straight double-digit strikeout games after this performance. The 29-year-old finishes the regular season with a 2.50 ERA and 326 strikeouts in 212.1 innings. |
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Sep 24 2019 | Cole (19-5) picked up the win against the Mariners on Tuesday, giving up just two hits over seven scoreless innings, striking out 14 and walking none in the Astros' 3-0 victory. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Making his first start since reaching the 300-strikeout plateau, Cole racked up 14 more punchouts against an overmatched Mariners lineup to set the Astros single-season franchise record for strikeouts in a season. Not much needs to be said about Cole's otherwordly dominance at this point, but the 29-year-old has been nothing short of phenomenal for Houston this season, posting a 2.52 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and a ridiculous 316:46 K:BB across 207.1 innings. |
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Sep 18 2019 | Cole (18-5) gave up two runs on six hits and one walk while striking out 10 through eight innings to earn the win over the Rangers on Wednesday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cole had 18 swinging strikes and 19 called strikes in the dominant outing. The 29-year-old recorded his 300th strikeout of the season in the outing, making him the second-fastest to that mark. To put perspective on how good Cole has been this season, he is only the 18th pitcher since 1900 to have a season with 300 strikeouts. Cole has a 2.56 ERA with a 12.6 K/9 in 200.1 innings this season. Cole is scheduled to make his next start Tuesday against the Mariners at T-Mobile Park. |
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Sep 14 2019 | Cole (17-5) picked up the win in Friday's 4-1 victory over the Royals, allowing one unearned run on four hits and two walks over eight innings while striking out 11. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It looked like the right-hander might have to settle for a no-decision despite another dominant performance when Kansas City scratched across its run in the bottom of the eighth inning, until George Springer broke the 1-1 tie in the top of the ninth with a three-run blast. Cole has struck out double-digit batters in six straight starts and hasn't lost since May 22, and the only thing that might be standing between him and a Cy Young Award is teammate Justin Verlander -- the duo ranks first and second in strikeouts, ERA and WHIP among qualified starters. Cole will carry a 2.62 ERA and 292:45 K:BB through 192.1 innings into his next outing Wednesday, at home against the Rangers. |
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Sep 8 2019 | Cole (16-5) allowed one run on one hit with no walks and 15 strikeouts across eight innings while earning a victory against the Mariners on Sunday. | ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With the offense scoring more than 20 runs, the Astros hardly needed a stellar outing from Cole, but they got it anyway, and he could have easily gone the distance, as he threw 96 pitches to get through eight frames. This was the fifth straight game where Cole posted at least 10 strikeouts, and his third consecutive outing with 13-plus punchouts. He's also won 12 straight decisions, as Cole hasn't lost since May 22. Cole, who will next start at the Royals on Friday, owns a 2.73 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 281 strikeouts in 184.1 innings this season. |
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Sep 2 2019 | Cole allowed one run on three hits and two walks while striking out 14 over six | innings, getting a no-decision in Monday's 3-2 extra-inning win over the Brewers. |
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Aug 29 2019 | Cole allowed four runs on six hits and one walk while striking out 14 over 6.2 innings | for a no-decision against the Rays on Wednesday. |
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Aug 22 2019 | Cole (15-5) earned the win Thursday after holding the Tigers scoreless while striking | out 12 over seven innings. He allowed two hits and one walk. |
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Aug 20 2019 | Cole (hamstring) is listed as the Astros' probable starter for Thursday's game against | the Tigers. |
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Aug 19 2019 | Cole (hamstring) said he expects to start Thursday against the Tigers, Hunter Atkins | of the Houston Chronicle reports. |
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Aug 18 2019 | Cole (hamstring) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Monday afternoon, Chandler | Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports. |
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Aug 17 2019 | Cole (hamstring) played catch Friday for the first time since being scratched from | Tuesday's start, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports. |
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Aug 15 2019 | Manager AJ Hinch said Thursday that he expects Cole (hamstring) to slot back into | the Houston rotation next week, Jim Bowden of The Athletic reports. |
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Aug 14 2019 | Cole (hamstring) said his injury is "not super serious," Brian McTaggart of MLB.com | reports. |
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Aug 13 2019 | Cole was scratched from Game 2 of Tuesday's doubleheader against the White Sox with | right hamstring discomfort, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. |
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Aug 7 2019 | Cole (14-5) picked up the win in Wednesday's 14-3 rout of the Rockies, allowing | two runs on three hits over six innings while striking out 10. |
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Aug 1 2019 | Cole (13-5) picked up the win versus the Indians on Thursday, completing seven innings | and giving up one run on four hits and two walks while striking out four. |
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Jul 27 2019 | Cole (12-5) picked up the win in Saturday's 8-2 victory over the Cardinals, giving | up one run on four hits and three walks over seven innings while striking out seven. |
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Jul 27 2019 | Cole (12-5) picked up the win in Saturday's 8-2 victory over the Cardinals, giving up one run on four hits and three walks over seven innings while striking out seven. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jul 22 2019 | Cole (11-5) allowed one run on two hits and a walk over seven frames Monday, striking out 11 and earning the win over Oakland. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jul 17 2019 | Cole (10-5) earned the win Wednesday after recording 11 strikeouts and limiting the Angels to one run on seven hits and a walk over seven innings. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jul 13 2019 | Cole struck out 13 but didn't factor into the decision in Friday's 9-8 loss to the Rangers, giving up four runs on five hits -- including three home runs -- and two walks over six innings. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jul 13 2019 | Cole didn't factor into the decision in Friday's 9-8 loss to the Rangers, giving up four runs on five hits -- including three home runs -- and two walks over six innings while striking out 13. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jul 7 2019 | Cole (9-5) won his fourth straight start, allowing three hits and two walks while striking out nine over seven scoreless innings in Saturday's 4-0 win over the Angels. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jun 30 2019 | Cole (8-5) picked up the victory after allowing one run on five hits and a walk while striking out 10 over seven innings Sunday against the Mariners. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jun 25 2019 | Cole (7-5) allowed one earned run on seven hits and two walks while striking out three across six innings to earn the win Tuesday against Pittsburgh. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jun 19 2019 | Cole allowed one run on six hits with eight strikeouts and three walks across six innings during a no-decision against the Reds on Wednesday. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jun 15 2019 | Cole (6-5) struck out 10 and picked up the win in Friday's 15-2 rout of the Blue Jays, allowing two runs on three hits and two walks over six innings. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jun 15 2019 | Cole (6-5) picked up the win in Friday's 15-2 rout of the Blue Jays, allowing two runs on three hits and two walks over six innings while striking out 10. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jun 7 2019 | Cole allowed three runs (one earned) on four hits and struck out 14 over seven innings Friday in a no-decision against the Orioles. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jun 2 2019 | Cole allowed two runs on four hits and two walks across six innings in a no-decision Sunday against the Athletics. He struck out four. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jun 2 2019 | Cole allowed two runs on four hits and two walks across six innings in a no-decision Sunday against the A's. He struck out four. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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May 27 2019 | Cole (5-5) picked up the win in Monday's 6-5 victory over the Cubs, allowing two runs on three hits and a walk over six innings while striking out 12. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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May 22 2019 | Cole (4-5) gave up six runs on seven hits and one walk while striking out seven through five innings, taking the loss to the White Sox on Wednesday. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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May 17 2019 | Cole allowed no runs on six hits with seven strikeouts and one walk across five innings during a no-decision against the Red Sox on Friday. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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May 12 2019 | Cole (4-4) picked up the win in Saturday's 11-4 rout of the Rangers, allowing one run on four hits over six innings while striking out a season-high 12. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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May 6 2019 | Cole (3-4) picked up the win Monday, allowing four runs on seven hits over 6.1 innings while striking out nine as the Astros downed the Royals, 6-4. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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May 6 2019 | Cole (3-4) picked up the win Monday, allowing four runs on seven hits over 6.1 innings while striking out nine as the Astros downed the Royals 6-4. | Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news. |
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Jul 25 2018 | Cole allowed two runs on five hits and a walk while striking out nine over 6.1 innings Tuesday against the Rockies. He did not factor into the decision. | Cole was in cruise control through six innings, but he allowed two runs on a pair of doubles and a single in the bottom of the seventh to take away any chance at his 11th win. He's now struck out at least seven batters in four straight starts, and Tuesday was the first time in nine tries without yielding multiple walks. He'll take a 2.54 ERA and dominant 12.4 K/9 into his next outing Monday in Seattle. |
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Jul 14 2018 | Cole (10-2) picked up the win in Saturday's 9-1 romp over the Tigers, allowing one run on three hits and four walks over 5.2 innings while striking out eight. | The right-hander wasn't at his sharpest after being reinstated from the bereavement list earlier in the day, but the Astros' offense gave Cole more than enough run support to offset his control issues. He's now walked multiple batters in eight straight outings, a somewhat worrying trend, but it won't stop Cole from heading into the All-Star break with a 2.52 ERA and 177:45 K:BB through 20 starts and 128.1 innings. |
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Jul 14 2018 | Cole (personal) was reinstated from the bereavement list prior to Saturday's outing against Detroit. | As expected, Cole will take the hill after missing four games while on the bereavement list. He'll make his 20th start of the season against the Tigers prior to the All-Star break. Cole has put together a stellar first half, as he sports a 2.57 ERA and 0.97 WHIP with an outstanding 169:41 K:BB over 122.2 innings. |
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Jul 12 2018 | Cole (bereavement) will take the mound against Detroit on Saturday, Jake Kaplan of The Athletic reports. | Cole will make one more start before the All-Star break after being placed on the bereavement list prior to Tuesday's game. This outing will come on normal rest for the 27-year-old after he struck out 11 during a no-decision versus the Athletics on Monday. |
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Jul 10 2018 | Cole was placed on the bereavement list Tuesday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. | Players on the bereavement list must miss between three and seven games. Cole isn't scheduled to pitch again until Saturday, so it's likely that he won't end up missing a start, though it's possible he misses one and returns after the All-Star break. Jake Marisnick was called up from Triple-A in a corresponding move. |
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Jul 9 2018 | Cole struck out 11 and allowed just three hits and three walks through six shutout innings but was stuck with a no-decision Monday against the Athletics. | Cole was untouchable, as he induced 23 swinging strikes, with hitters mainly falling victim to the four-seam fastball (seven whiffs on 47 pitches) and the slider (eight whiffs in 29 pitches). Unfortunately for Cole, he was matched zero-for-zero by Oakland's Frankie Montas, and Brad Peacock gave up the game after relieving Cole in the seventh. The only downside to Cole's performance was that he needed 108 pitches to get through six frames and couldn't see things through himself, but usually the Astros lineup will get him the win in this situation. Cole will take a 2.57 ERA into his last start before the break Saturday against Detroit. |
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Jul 5 2018 | Cole allowed four runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out seven over five innings in Wednesday's win over the Rangers. He did not factor into the decision. | Cole induced 19 swinging strikes, but it was otherwise not his sharpest outing. In addition to the season-high eight hits (including a home run and two doubles), the 27-year-old also hit a batter and threw a wild pitch en route to falling in a 4-0 hole in the third inning before the Houston offense picked him up. Cole is still enjoying a very successful first season with the Astros, but he's starting to fall back a bit from the ridiculous pace he was working at through the first two months. He's now allowed at least four runs three times in five starts and has walked 15 over 29 innings in that span. He'll take a 2.70 ERA and 158:38 K:BB through 116.2 innings into Monday's start against the Athletics. |
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Jun 29 2018 | Cole (9-2) allowed three runs (one earned) on five hits and three walks with five strikeouts through six innings and took the loss Friday against the Rays. | The only blemish for Cole was a three-run fourth inning created in large part by two errors. With any help from the defense, Cole could have held Tampa Bay to one run and contended for his 10th win. The loss was his first since April 23 against the Angels, a start in which he allowed just two runs on seven innings but the Astros lineup couldn't get him the win. Cole still hasn't allowed more than four runs all season long and will look to get back to his winning ways Thursday against the White Sox. |
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Jun 24 2018 | Cole (9-1) struck out eight over five one-run innings to earn the win Sunday against the Royals, allowing two hits and three walks along the way. | Cole limited baserunners to great effect, with the only run against him coming on a solo home run from Lucas Duda in the fourth inning. The visitors fouled off a whopping 27 pitches to help push up his pitch count, which ultimately caused his removal after recording just 15 outs. Despite the relatively short outing, Cole bounced back nicely after allowing four earned runs in each of his last two starts. He'll take a shiny 2.59 ERA into his next scheduled start Friday against the Rays. |
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Jun 22 2018 | Cole's next start will come Sunday against the Royals, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. | The Astros originally were going to push Cole's start back a day due to Thursday's off day, but instead will hand him the ball for Sunday's series finale against Kansas City. He swaps with Justin Verlander, who will take the mound Monday against the Blue Jays. |
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Jun 20 2018 | Cole will make his next start Monday against the Blue Jays, Jake Kaplan of The Athletic Houston reports. | With Houston off the schedule Thursday, the Astros have opted to push Cole's next start back by a day to give the right-hander some extra rest while keeping Justin Verlander -- who will start in Cole's place Sunday -- on regular rest. Cole, who owns a 2.59 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and 138:30 K:BB across 15 starts (100.2 innings) this season, will now be afforded six days of rest before his next outing. |
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Jun 18 2018 | Cole allowed four runs on three hits and five walks with eight strikeouts in a no-decision Monday against the Rays. | Cole was nasty at times but couldn't rein in his control when he needed to. A leadoff walk in the first scored on a subsequent home run, and two of the three men Cole walked in the third inning came around to score as well. This was an extremely uncharacteristic performance, as Cole hadn't walked more than three batters all year entering Monday. Don't expect this trend to continue, but Cole now has gone two starts without a quality start for the first time all season. He'll look to right the ship Sunday against the Royals. |
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Jun 13 2018 | Cole (8-1) allowed four runs on six hits and two walks with six strikeouts through six innings in a win Wednesday over the Athletics. | Cole allowed a pair of home runs, but he was pounding the zone after the Astros lineup gifted him with a 10-run lead through the first two frames, and both blasts came after the game was effectively decided. Cole knew he just had to eat innings and avoid any major rallies, and he did his job to win his sixth straight decision and third straight start. He'll carry a 2.40 ERA into Monday's start against the Rays. |
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Jun 7 2018 | Cole (7-1) allowed one earned run on three hits and three walks while striking out eight across six innings to earn the win Thursday against the Rangers. | Cole stumbled out of the gate, allowing an earned run on two singles and a walk in the first inning. However, he settled in and didn't allow a baserunner in three of his next five innings of work and got enough run support to earn the win. He has been a workhorse and ace in every sense this season, ranking among the top three in the American League in innings pitched, strikeouts, ERA and WHIP. |
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Jun 1 2018 | Cole (6-1) picked up the win in Friday's 7-3 victory over the Red Sox, allowing three runs on five hits and a walk over seven innings while striking out seven. | In a clash of early AL Cy Young favorites with Chris Sale it was Cole who came out on top, throwing 66 of 105 pitches for strikes while delivering his third straight quality start and 10th of the year. The right-hander will carry a 2.20 ERA and dominant 116:20 K:BB through 81.2 innings into his next outing Thursday on the road against the Rangers. |
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May 27 2018 | Cole didn't factor into the decision during Sunday's loss to the Indians as he gave up three runs on four hits and two walks while striking out eight across seven innings. | Cole gave up a two-run home run to Jose Ramirez in the bottom of the first, but he calmed down to give Houston seven solid innings in what turned out to be a losing effort. The 27-year-old right-hander has been putting together a solid season, posting a 2.05 ERA and 0.83 WHIP with 109 strikeouts over 74.2 innings. He figures to make his 12th start of the season Friday against the Red Sox. |
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May 23 2018 | Cole (5-1) struck out eight and walked three in Tuesday's win over the Giants, allowing two runs on four hits in six innings. | The only runs Cole allowed came from a two-run homer by Brandon Crawford in the fifth. The right-hander was otherwise very effective, although he did need 106 pitches (67 for strikes) to get through six innings. Cole now has a ridiculous 101:17 K:BB in 67.2 innings, and his 0.83 WHIP and .169 batting average against are both good for second in the majors. His next start will be in Cleveland for a matchup with the Indians. |
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May 16 2018 | Cole struck out seven and walked two in a no-decision against the Angels on Tuesday, allowing three runs on five hits in five innings. | For the first time this year, Cole didn't make it into the sixth inning. He was done in by a couple home runs and walks that stretched his pitch-count to 98 by the end of five. Despite the short outing, Cole still leads all MLB pitchers with 93 strikeouts, and his .166 batting average against trails only his teammate Justin Verlander for best in the majors. He will take on the Giants at home in his next start. |
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May 9 2018 | Cole (4-1) picked up the win Wednesday, pitching six innings with nine strikeouts while allowing one run on four hits and three walks against the Athletics. | Cole was dominant once again, throwing first-pitch strikes to 16 of the 24 batters he faced while inducing 17 swinging strikes. He's now thrown a quality start in all eight starts since joining the Astros, sporting an elite 13.7 K/9 and 1.43 ERA in the process. While it seems unlikely he'll be able to sustain those numbers over the course of a full season, Cole had a .250 BABIP against and 1.54 FIP entering Wednesday's start, so there's no sign that he's overly benefitting from good luck. He'll next take on the Angels on Tuesday. |
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May 4 2018 | Cole (3-1) got the win in a dominant, complete-game shutout of the Diamondbacks on Friday, giving up just one hit, striking out 16 batters and walking one as the Astros won 8-0. | Cole continued his utterly torrid start to the season against Arizona, becoming the second pitcher in the league to strike out 16 hitters in a game this season just a day after Seattle's James Paxton accomplished the same feat. Cole hasn't just been dominant to start his Houston career, he's been virtually unhittable, logging double-digit strikeouts in five of his seven starts for a ballistic 77:9 K:BB to go along with his 1.42 ERA and 0.69 WHIP. Quite simply, that's a Cy Young-caliber start that has made him one of the most valuable fantasy pitchers so far and he's showing no signs of slowing down. He'll look to continue this stellar run in his next start against Oakland on Wednesday. |
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Apr 29 2018 | Cole allowed three earned runs on six hits while walking none and striking out 12 across 6.2 innings Sunday against the Athletics. He did not factor into the decision. | Cole continued to look unhittable for much of his start, generating 22 swinging strikes on 99 pitches. He did allow three doubles, two of which led directly to runs and the last putting the then tying run on base, preventing him from earning the win. Pointing out those few flaws is nitpicking what has been a masterful stretch of six starts to begin the season for Cole, as he is maintaining a 1.73 ERA, .79 WHIP and has recorded 61 strikeouts in 41.2 innings pitched. |
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Apr 23 2018 | Cole (2-1) held the Angels to just two runs on four hits and two walks with eight strikeouts through seven innings Monday night but was stuck with his first loss. | For the fifth time in a row, Cole completed the seventh, and he has still yet to allow more than two runs or five hits in a start. This, though, marked the first time the Astros failed to support him well enough to at least leave him with a no-decision. Cole induced 14 swinging strikeouts in 109 pitches as he increased his strikeout total to just 49 over 35 innings of work. His 1.28 ERA is supported by a fantastic 6.1 K/BB. |
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Apr 19 2018 | Cole (2-0) allowed just one unearned run on five hits and two walks with five strikeouts through seven innings to pick up the win Wednesday over the Mariners. | For the first time all season, Cole didn't reach double-digit strikeouts, but it didn't stop him from going seven strong innings for the fourth time in a row. Cole has also yet to allow more than five hits or two runs in any start. The 27-year-old is looking like a steal of an acquisition for the Astros, as he has delivered nothing but ace-level performances to start his Houston career. |
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Apr 13 2018 | Cole (1-0) had to settle for a no-decision in Friday's 3-2 win over the Rangers, giving up two runs on three hits and a walk over seven innings while striking out a career-high 14. | That's now three straight games with double-digit strikeouts to begin the season for Cole, who seems reborn in Houston. Cy Young Awards aren't won or lost in April, but a 36:4 K:BB through 21 innings is putting the 27-year-old on a very impressive trajectory. Cole will make his next start Wednesday in Seattle. |
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Apr 7 2018 | Cole allowed five hits and walked no batters while striking out 11 across seven innings of scoreless work Saturday against the Padres. | In his season debut, Cole had changed his pitch mix by moving away from his two-seam fastball in favor of heavier slider usage. That continued in his start Saturday, with excellent results as he got nearly a 17% whiff rate on 24 sliders thrown. He has looked absolutely dominant in his first two starts as a member of the Astros and it appears that his change in pitch mix is here to stay, which could lead to continued strong results. |
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Apr 1 2018 | Cole (1-0) struck out 11 and allowed just one run on two hits and three walks over seven innings to earn the win Sunday against the Rangers. | Cole was absolutely filthy in his first start as an Astro, as he used 21 swinging strikes to rack up those 11 strikeouts. As a Pirate in 2017, Cole reached double-digit strikeouts just twice and didn't strike out 11 batters in any of his 31 starts. Cole looks like he's in great form to start his Astros career, and at his best, he has been an ace-level pitcher. He's currently slotted fourth in Houston's rotation, truly an embarrassment of riches. |
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Mar 18 2018 | Cole will pitch the fourth game of the season, April 1, against Texas, Glenn Sattell of MLB.com reports. | Manager A.J. Hinch set his rotation for the first turn of the regular season and placed Cole between Lance McCullers and Charlie Morton. Cole turned in a sub-par performance Sunday, his fifth Grapefruit League start, but overall has been pleased with his body of work this spring. "The pitch count is up, I feel strong. It's probably my best spring performance as a whole in my career," Cole said. "I feel really confident." |
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Mar 13 2018 | Cole allowed a run on four hits and two walks while striking out seven in Tuesday's start against the Mets. | Cole is fitting into the Astros' rotation quite nicely, posting a 1.42 ERA with 15 strikeouts in 12.2 innings over four starts. The right-hander got his pitch count up to 77 and, with three more spring starts remaining, is on schedule for the first turn of the rotation in the regular season. He's expected to be Houston's third starter, behind Justin Verlander and Dallas Keuchel. |
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Mar 3 2018 | Cole allowed a run on two hits and two walks while striking out two Friday against the Mets, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. | Cole, who stuck to fastballs and changeups during his first spring start, attempted to get a feel for his curveball while also trying to get familiar throwing to catcher Brian McCann the first time in game conditions. He ran his pitch count up to 53 (33 for strikes). |
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Feb 26 2018 | Cole stuck to all fastballs and changeups over two scoreless innings in Sunday's game against the Cardinals, Hunter Atkins of the Houston Chronicle reports. He struck out two and hit a batter. | Cole was making his first appearance in the burnt-orange and blue uniform of the Astros. Nineteen of his 30 pitches went for strikes, and his command got better in his second frame, although he endured a long break between innings as his mates put up a 3-spot in a long second inning. The 27-year-old right-hander will introduce his offspeed stuff in subsequent outings. |
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Feb 18 2018 | Cole relied heavily on his fastball in 2017 with Pittsburgh, but the Astros feel he can benefit from throwing more offspeed stuff, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. | Manager A.J. Hinch stressed there won't be an overhaul, but rather a "tweak" in pitch usage for Cole, who surrendered a career-high 31 home runs in 2017 -- 18 off his fastball. Hinch feels the key is to get a good game plan in front of Cole, which could mean fewer fastballs in favor of his slider and changeup. |
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Jan 13 2018 | The Pirates agreed to trade Cole to the Astros on Saturday in exchange for Joe Musgrove and Colin Moran, Tim Brown of Yahoo Sports reports. | Apparently, Houston and Pittsburgh were able to move past whatever snag held up talks earlier in the week, as Cole will indeed join the Astros. Cole made 33 starts for the Pirates last season after missing time in 2016 due to elbow troubles. He improved both his strikeout and walk rates last year, and the move to Minute Maid Park is a sneaky upgrade for Cole, both in terms of run prevention and strikeouts. Look for his ADP to tick up accordingly. |
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Jan 13 2018 | The Pirates agreed to trade Cole to the Astros on Saturday in exchange for Joe Musgrove, Colin Moran, Michael Feliz and Jason Martin, Tim Brown of Yahoo Sports reports. | Houston and Pittsburgh were able to move past whatever snag held up talks earlier in the week, as Cole will indeed join the Astros. Cole made 33 starts for the Pirates last season after missing time in 2016 due to elbow troubles. He improved both his strikeout and walk rates last year, and the move to Minute Maid Park is an upgrade for Cole, both in terms of run prevention and strikeouts. Look for his ADP to tick up accordingly. |
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Jan 12 2018 | Cole agreed to a one-year, $6.75 million deal with the Pirates on Friday, avoiding arbitration, Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune reports. | It seemed that Cole, who receives a $3 million raise this offseason, was on the move to Houston earlier this week, but the report ended up being inaccurate. Of course, talks are likely still ongoing, so a trade could still happen. Cole is under team control for two more seasons, which makes him a highly-attractive commodity on the trade market, so the Pirates are rightfully holding out for a significant return package. |
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Jan 10 2018 | Contrary to a prior report, Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow said Wednesday that a trade to acquire Cole from the Pirates is not done and not imminent, Jake Kaplan of the Houston Chronicle reports. | Jon Morosi of MLB Network reported that the two teams have reached an agreement for Cole, so this deal is still likely to get done, and might even already be done, despite what Luhnow told the local beat reporter. There has been no word of which specific young players will be going to Pittsburgh. Assuming the deal eventually gets done, Cole's fantasy value won't be significantly impacted, as the expected gains in wins will likely be offset by the move to the American League. |
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Jan 10 2018 | The Pirates reached an agreement Wednesday to trade Cole to the Astros for an undisclosed package, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports. | Cole will strengthen one of the top staffs in the majors, as the Astros now employ Justin Verlander, Dallas Keuchel (foot) and the former Pirate. During the 2017 season, Cole posted a 4.26 ERA and 1.25 WHIP, while holding a 196:55 K:BB over 203 innings (33 starts). Although the right-hander saw improvement in strikeout and walk rates, his HR/9 jumped from 0.54 in 2016 to 1.37 last season. Looking ahead to 2018, Cole will likely slide in as Houston's third starter, but he's a fine addition as an SP2 in 15-team leagues. This trade increases Cole's upside in the wins department, but the move to the American League may offset those potential gains. His salary arbitration case is unresolved, and the Astros wanted to acquire him in time to file at their number before Friday's deadline, rather than inherit a figure from the Pirates. |
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Jan 9 2018 | Cole has been the subject of trade talks between Pittsburgh and Houston, Jeff Passan of YahooSports reports. | Astros owner Jim Crane backed up that report, telling Alyson Footer of MLB.com that the club is "actively pursuing a high-end starter," adding that the organization is willing to dip into its prospect-rich farm system. The Passan report, which was confirmed by Jon Morosi of MLB.com, indicated one name mentioned was outfielder Derek Fisher, but the Pirates would almost certainly need outfielder Kyle Tucker or right-handed pitcher Forrest Whitley as the linchpin of any deal. The Astros are looking to shore up an already good starting staff that boasts Justin Verlander and Dallas Keuchel at the top of the rotation. |
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Sep 29 2017 | Cole (12-12) was saddled with the loss Friday against the Nationals. He allowed three runs on eight hits and a walk while striking out seven over 5.1 innings. | Cole allowed just one run through the first five innings before running out of steam in the sixth. He allowed singles to Trea Turner, Anthony Rendon and Daniel Murphy before being pulled from the contest after just 5.1 innings of work, spoiling his chance at his first quality start since Sept. 6. The 27-year-old faltered during the final month of the regular season, allowing 22 runs over 36 innings in September and will conclude the 2017 campaign with a pedestrian 4.26 ERA; the highest mark of his five-year career. A propensity to serve up the long ball was the main culprit of Cole's struggles in 2017, as his 31 home runs allowed currently rank as the second-worst mark in the National League, trailing only John Lackey. |
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Sep 23 2017 | Cole (12-11) earned the win over the Cardinals on Saturday, allowing five runs on seven hits and one walk while striking out five over 5.2 innings. | Tommy Pham was a thorn in Cole's side, driving in three of the five runs against the right-hander on a pair of run-scoring hits, including a homer. However, Lance Lynn was blown up on the other side, and that allowed Cole to get into the win column for the first time since Aug. 26. Cole has improved his strikeout and walk rates this season -- his xFIP is lower than his mark from a year ago -- but the home runs have spiked. He will look to finish strong against the Nationals next week. |
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Sep 17 2017 | Cole (11-11) allowed four runs on three hits and four walks while striking out six batters through five innings during Sunday's loss to Cincinnati. | The 27-year-old righty has now allowed nine runs through 10 innings over his past two starts to push him up to a 4.13 ERA and 1.23 WHIP for the campaign. Cole lines up for two tough matchups to finish the season with starts against the Cards at PNC Park followed by Washington at Nationals Park. Considering his current form, Cole should probably be viewed as a risky option for his final two outings. |
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Sep 12 2017 | Cole (11-10) was saddled with the loss in Tuesday's game against the Brewers. He allowed five runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out 10 over six innings. | Cole tallied a season-high 10 strikeouts, but was undone by a rough third inning in which he allowed four runs on four hits and a walk. He was able to navigate through the next three frames with no further damage, but was stuck with the loss as the Pirates offense was only able to muster up two runs on the night. Cole has now allowed five earned runs in three of his last five starts and his ERA now sits at a very pedestrian 4.04. He lines up for a road matchup with the Reds on Sunday. |
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Sep 9 2017 | The Pirates have no plans to skip Cole's turn in the rotation, even as they look to add starting spots for Steven Brault and Tyler Glasnow, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. | "I think we'll exclude Cole because he hasn't shown any desire or need to do that," manager Clint Hurdle said. "It might be a benefit for each of those (other) guys, at least to have the conversation and get their thoughts." Since the All-Star break, Cole has compiled a 3.19 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 74:20 K:BB in 73.1 innings. He continues to struggle with the long ball, allowing eight homers since the break and 27 overall in 181 innings. Prior to 2017, the righty never permitted more than 11 home runs in four seasons. |
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Sep 7 2017 | Cole allowed two hits and four walks across eight scoreless innings Wednesday against the Cubs. He struck out eight and didn't factor into the decision. | Cole has been somewhat inconsistent as of late, but he fired his best start of the second-half Wednesday. The right-hander has now posted two scoreless outings in his last four starts, but he's conceded five runs in each of his other two outings. Cole did consistently strike batters out over that span, fanning 27 opponents in 27.1 innings. The 26-year-old, who owns a 3.93 ERA and 1.22 through 29 starts this season, is lined up for two starts next week, with his first start coming Monday against the Brewers. |
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Sep 2 2017 | Cole (11-9) took the loss against the Reds on Friday, coughing up five runs on six hits and three walks over six innings while striking out six. | The Reds jumped on him for three runs in the first inning, getting a measure of revenge against Cole after he stiffed them over seven scoreless innings back in Cincinnati on Aug. 26. The right-hander has now given up at least three runs in five of his last six starts, saddling him with a 4.58 ERA over that stretch despite a 40:10 K:BB in 39.1 innings. He'll look for a better result in his next outing Wednesday at home against the Cubs. |
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Aug 26 2017 | Cole (11-8) pitched seven shutout innings on five hits while striking out six to earn the win Saturday against the Reds. | Cole entered the sixth inning in a scoreless tie, but he hit a home run to give himself enough run support in a 1-0 victory. After allowing nine earned runs over his last 12.1 innings covering two starts, hopefully this outing gets him back on track for a strong stretch run. He'll make his next start Friday against the Reds. |
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Aug 21 2017 | Cole allowed five runs on eight hits and two walks across 6.1 innings in a no-decision Monday against the Dodgers. He struck out seven. | Cole was terrific through six innings before unraveling in the seventh, when he allowed five runs on four hits and a walk, including a grand slam from Curtis Granderson. The 26-year-old threw seven consecutive quality starts leading up to last week's outing against the Brewers, but he has allowed nine runs over his last 12.1 innings to inflate his ERA back up to 4.16. One positive for Cole of late has been his 9.7 K/9 over the last seven starts, spanning 46.1 innings. He will look to get back on track Saturday against the Reds. |
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Aug 16 2017 | Cole gave up four runs on five hits -- including three home runs -- over six innings in a no-decision against the Brewers on Wednesday. He struck out nine and walked two. | Cole had gotten the better of Milwaukee on three prior occasions this season, but he struggled with the long ball in this one, serving up round-trippers to Keon Broxton, Neil Walker and Travis Shaw. With that, Cole's streak of seven consecutive quality starts was snapped. Cole lines up for two starts next week -- first the Dodgers at home and then the Reds in Cincinnati. |
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Aug 10 2017 | Cole (10-8) allowed three runs on six hits and one walk while striking out seven over eight innings to earn the win over Detroit on Thursday. | Cole endured three separate seven-run blowups in June, but he's been excellent over the past month and a half, turning in seven straight quality starts with a 46:10 K:BB over that span (46 innings). He's pitching like his old self, and while his next scheduled start at Milwaukee looks tough at a glance, he's dominated the Brewers in three meetings so far this season (three earned runs, 23:4 K:BB in 21 innings). |
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Aug 5 2017 | Cole (9-8) allowed three runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out five across six innings to take the loss Saturday against the Padres. | Cole entered the fifth inning with a 1-0 deficit before Wil Myers connected on a two-run homer, leading to the hurler's eighth loss of the campaign. This was the first time he's allowed more than two runs in a start since June 30, and he's lowered his ERA by more than half a run since that time. He'll make his next start Thursday against the Tigers. |
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Jul 30 2017 | Cole (9-7) held the Padres to one run on five hits with two walks and eight strikeouts over seven innings in Sunday's 7-1 win. | Cole took advantage of the league's least dangerous lineup, as his only blemish came on a home run by shortstop Dusty Coleman. The 26-year-old right-hander has put together an excellent stretch except for a June 30 outlier against the Giants, with a 6-1 record and eight quality starts in his past nine outings. He'll get a great opportunity to stay hot in his next start with a Saturday home rematch against this same San Diego team. |
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Jul 25 2017 | Cole (8-7) allowed two runs over six innings during Monday's win over the Giants. He allowed six hits and four walks while striking out four to pick up his 8th win of the season. | After issuing just one walk over his previous three starts, Cole had trouble commanding his pitches Monday as he worked up a season-high pitch count of 115 through six innings. Despite the fact that he also issued a season-high four free passes, the 26-year-old was able to work out of trouble to earn his fourth consecutive quality start. Cole's next start projects to be against the Padres on Sunday. |
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Jul 19 2017 | Cole struck out 10 over seven innings of one-run ball against Milwaukee on Wednesday, only to settle for a no-decision. He gave up six hits and didn't walk anyone. | This marks Cole's first double-digit-whiff outing of the year, and he's pulling his numbers back in a positive direction after a handful of rough outings derailed his 2017 to some degree. The talented righty's ERA is still rather high at 4.18, but if you take out the four-start stretch in late May and early June that saw him give up 23 runs in 19.1 innings, Cole has otherwise given up 33 earned runs in 101.1 frames -- a 2.93 ERA. Look for the 26-year-old to carry forward his strong start to the season's second half; fortunately, his turn in the rotation won't come up in this weekend's series at Coors Field. Instead, he'll next start Monday at San Francisco. |
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Jul 14 2017 | Cole (7-7) allowed two runs on four hits while striking out four across six innings, but received no-decision Friday against the Cardinals. | Cole gave up a two-run homer in the first inning, but settled down nicely as he posted a quality start. He's turned around his season lately while holding opponents to two or fewer earned runs in five of his last six outings to lower his ERA from 4.83 to 4.35, and he's re-emerged as a player who can be safely trusted in fantasy lineups. He'll make his next start Wednesday against the Brewers. |
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Jul 6 2017 | Cole (7-7) struck out eight while holding the Phillies to two runs on seven hits and a walk in Wednesday's 5-2 win. | He's now won four of his last five starts, but Cole gave up seven runs in the other one -- a stretch that's fairly emblematic of his 2017 to this point. Cole may be one of the highest-upside pitchers around, but he's taken a turn for the inconsistent since going 19-8 with a 2.60 ERA and 1.09 WHIP back in 2015. Still, he's gotten unlucky in terms of HR/FB rate this year (it's a career-high 17.9 percent), and some positive regression on that front will help his stats normalize. Cole will probably start the Pirates' first game after the All-Star break, July 14 against the Cardinals. |
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Jun 30 2017 | Cole (6-7) allowed seven runs on 10 hits and two walks while striking out seven over 5.1 innings to take the loss Friday against the Giants. | Cole entered the fourth inning with a 3-2 lead, but he was then lit up for five more runs before being forced from the contest. He came into this contest having allowed just one run in each of his last three starts, but he's also allowed seven runs in three of his last six outings, and his ERA sits at 4.51. His massive swings of inconsistency have been maddening to fantasy owners, making him a risk/reward lineup option. He'll make his next start Wednesday against the Phillies. |
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Jun 24 2017 | Cole (6-6) allowed a single run on five hits and two walks while striking out five batters through six innings during Saturday's win over St. Louis. | Outside of a disastrous four-game stretch when Cole allowed 23 runs in 19 innings, the 26-year-old righty has been outstanding. After all, to sport a 4.11 ERA and 1.25 WHIP with that disastrous span on the books highlights how strong the rest of Cole's body of work has been. Additionally, he's now surrendered just three runs in 20 innings over his last three starts. Cole lines up for a cushy matchup at home against the reeling Giants in his next start. |
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Jun 19 2017 | Cole (5-6) allowed just a single run on three hits and two walks while striking out five batters through seven innings during Monday's win over Milwaukee. | This was another strong bounce-back showing from Cole, as he's just a single outing removed from allowing 23 runs through 19.1 innings over a four-start span. The 26-year-old righty has allowed two runs or fewer in eight of his 15 starts, and the noted slump has been the only really poor stretch this year. After all, he posted a 2.84 ERA and 1.02 WHIP through his first nine games of the season. There may be more hiccups along the way, but Cole's current form is encouraging. He lines up for a road start against St. Louis at Busch Stadium next. |
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Jun 13 2017 | Cole (4-6) tossed seven innings of one-run ball in Tuesday's win over the Rockies, allowing three hits and three walks with three strikeouts. | Cole did extremely well to quiet a potent Colorado lineup and was even a bit unlucky on the run he gave up, as Trevor Story scored from first base on a single by Tony Wolters. He struggled with his command a bit ad set a new season high in walks, but he held the opposition without an extra-base hit to help mitigate the impact. This gem ended a run of futility in which Cole had allowed a whopping 23 earned runs in his previous 19.1 innings -- a stretch that saw his ERA jump nearly two full runs to 4.83. He had been quite consistent prior to that miserable run, which was largely to blame on his inability to limit the long ball, and he will look to build off of this bounce-back performance Monday against the Brewers. |
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Jun 9 2017 | 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." | 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. |
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Jun 8 2017 | Cole allowed seven runs over 4.2 innings, walked one and struck out five Thursday against Miami during Pittsburgh's 7-1 loss. | Cole has now failed to make it past the fifth inning in his past four starts, a span in which his ERA has risen from 2.84 to 4.83. At one point Thursday, Cole allowed five singles in a row to expedite his early exit. Once thought to be the ace of his team, the right-hander's slump is somewhat a cause of concern for fantasy owners. |
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Jun 3 2017 | Cole surrendered seven earned runs in five innings Friday, allowing three homers for the second straight start. He gave up eight hits and two walks while striking out six batters. | He's struggled in his last three starts, getting touched for 16 earned runs in 14.2 innings. Cole has already been slammed for 15 home runs, four more round trippers than he's ever given up in a full season. New York's Lucas Duda touched him up for three homers in the last week alone. The hard-throwing righty offers a career-best fastball velocity (96.1 mph) but his 35 percent hard contact rate is well above his career mark (29 percent). Whether he's tipping pitches, struggling with pitch sequencing (Michael Conforto sat changeup on a 2-1 count before homering), or simply going through a rough patch, Cole's value to the Pirates or even a trade partner is currently trending downward. |
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May 28 2017 | Cole allowed four runs on 10 hits and a walk while striking out three batters over five innings during Saturday's win over the Mets. He didn't factor into the decision. | This was Cole's second underwhelming start in a row, as he's now surrendered nine runs through his past 9.2 innings while striking out just five batters. For the year, he sports a solid 3.65 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 7.4 K/9, and the 26-year-old righty should bounce back in short order from this mini rough patch. Unfortunately, the Pirates offense projects to continue providing minimal run support, so piling up wins will probably remain a difficult task for Cole going forward. He lines up for a road start against the Mets next. |
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May 23 2017 | Cole gave up five earned runs on 10 hits and two walks in 4.2 innings Monday against the Braves. He also hit one batter while striking out two. | The outing was his worst of 2017 and seemed reminiscent of his struggles from a year ago. A 31-pitch first inning set the tone for the evening and long-time nemesis Brandon Phillips (.440 career batting average vs. Cole) belted a two-run homer to further compound matters. Cole needed 100 pitches (67 for strikes) in the highly forgettable showing. Fortunately, his fastball velocity (95.8 mph) was on par with his last four starts, making Monday look more like an aberration than a trend. He'll next get the Mets in Pittsburgh over the weekend. |
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May 17 2017 | Cole (2-4) held the Nationals to a single run over seven innings Wednesday, allowing just three hits and two walks while striking out three in a 6-1 win. | Despite coming into this game with a 3.06 ERA and 1.06 WHIP (both of which he only improved upon), Cole had been held to just one win in eight starts because of the shortcomings of his offense, which scored five runs combined in his four losses. The Pirates don't look like a very good team this year, so wins may not be easy to come by for Cole, but his habit of pitching deep into games will pay off for him. |
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May 7 2017 | Pittsburgh general manager Neal Huntington addressed speculation from a New York newspaper that stated Cole could become a prime trade target for the Yankees. "Our expectation is that Gerrit is going to be a Pirate for a while," Huntington told DK Pittsburgh Sports. | Cole agreed to a $3.75 million deal in the offseason, avoiding arbitration. Agent Scott Boras will likely take the righty to free agency following the 2019 campaign, leading the Pirates to move the 26-year-old at some point in the coming years. For his part, Cole has upped his stock in 2017, throwing the ball as well as he has in his career. Aside from a five-run, fifth-inning Opening Day, he's crafted a 2.14 ERA in 42 innings and reasserted himself as Pittsburgh's ace. |
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May 2 2017 | 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. | 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. |
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May 1 2017 | 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. | 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. |
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Apr 25 2017 | 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. | 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. |
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Apr 19 2017 | 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. | 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. |
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Apr 14 2017 | 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. | 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. |
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Apr 9 2017 | 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. | 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. |
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Apr 5 2017 | Cole is now scheduled to start Sunday's game against the Braves, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports. | 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. |
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Apr 3 2017 | 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. | 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. |
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Mar 25 2017 | 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. | 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. |
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Mar 19 2017 | Cole gave up one run in five innings Sunday, allowing five hits and no walks while striking out five. | 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. |
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Mar 8 2017 | Cole threw three scoreless innings on two hits and no walks Wednesday against the Dominican Republic. He didn't record a strikeout, DK Pittsburgh Sports reports. "I felt strong," Cole said. "I tried to just keep getting as many reps with the fastball as I can, just continue to build strength." | Cole used his slider for the first time this spring but was more pleased with the rest of his repertoire. "I thought the changeup had good action today as well as the curveball," he relayed. "I hit both sides of the plate well. I changed height on the fastball well. It was good." Coach Mike Lavalliere recently said Cole potentially offers the best changeup among all Pirates pitchers. An effective off-speed pitch could work wonders for Cole, who throws hard across the board aside from the curve (which he uses only 10 percent of the time). |
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Mar 3 2017 | Cole gave up two hits and a walk in two scoreless innings Friday. He failed to record a strikeout. | He let the first two batters he faced reach base but then compelled Manny Machado to ground into a double play. Cole didn't have his best stuff Friday but the outing was encouraging, given his 2016 season was cut short by an elbow injury. |
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Feb 25 2017 | Cole has officially been named the Pirates' Opening Day starter, Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. | It will be the first career Opening Day start for Cole, who will take the mound on April 3 against the Red Sox. The 26-year-old struggled with injuries last season and he'll look to rediscover his 2015 form, which saw him win 19 games while posting a 2.60 ERA. |
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Feb 25 2017 | Cole will throw two innings in a simulated game on Sunday, Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. | Cole dealt with bouts of elbow inflammation last season and has been cautiously eased into spring training activity. After finishing fourth in Cy Young voting in 2015, he recorded a career-worst 3.88 ERA last season and was shut down in September. Nonetheless, if all goes well, expect the former All-Star to see Grapefruit League action soon. |
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Feb 21 2017 | Cole threw two innings of live batting practice Tuesday, a sign that he's finally healthy at the start of a spring training, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. "I've learned how to deal with some adversity, so hopefully I'm better for it," Cole said. | He's faced spring training setbacks in both of the last two camps. Cole is coming off his worst professional season -- he compiled a 3.88 ERA and 1.44 WHIP in 116 innings -- and landed on the DL three separate occasions. |
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Jan 13 2017 | Cole avoided arbitration with the Pirates on Friday by signing a $3.75 million deal, Rob Biertempfel of the Piitsburgh Tribune-Review reports. | Cole stumbled in 2016, posting a career-high 3.88 ERA in 116 innings and eventually having to be shut down with an elbow injury. The injury reportedly doesn't involve any ligament damage, but it remains a risk factor going forward. All things considered, it's a decent showing in Cole's first round of arbitration and a reward for an excellent 2015 season when he finished fourth in the Cy Young voting. |
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Jan 9 2017 | Pirates GM Neal Huntington confirmed Monday that Cole (elbow) began his regular offseason throwing program in December. "Best news we can give is that it's been a normal offseason," Huntington told DK Pittsburgh Sports. "We're looking forward to him coming into spring training with a normal baseball offseason under his belt and ready to come out and be Gerrit Cole." | Cole injured his rib cage prior to spring training in 2016 and never pitched to his capabilities. He allowed 10.16 hits per nine innings last summer, a sharp increase over his career mark of 8.54. The Pirates are looking for the righty to regain his 2015 form, which saw him go 19-8 with a 2.60 ERA and 1.09 WHIP in 208 innings. |
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Jan 9 2017 | Pirates GM Neal Huntington confirmed that Cole (elbow) began his regular offseason throwing program in December. "Best news we can give is that it's been a normal offseason," Huntington told DK Pittsburgh Sports. "We're looking forward to him coming into spring training with a normal baseball offseason under his belt and ready to come out and be Gerrit Cole." | Cole injured his rib cage prior to spring training in 2016 and never pitched to his capabilities. He allowed 10.16 H/9 last summer, an increase over his career mark of 8.54 H/9. The Pirates are looking for the righty to regain his 2015 form when he went 19-8 with a 2.60 ERA and 1.09 WHIP in 208 innings. |
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Dec 10 2016 | Cole (elbow) will begin his normal throwing program Monday, Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. | He needed several months to the let the elbow inflammation subside, but Cole said Saturday that he is healthy and ready to pick up a baseball again. With pitchers and catchers not reporting for another two-plus months, Cole has plenty of time to gradually rebuild strength. The 26-year-old will be a popular bounce-back candidate in drafts. |
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Dec 5 2016 | Cole (elbow) is taking part in his normal offseason program, Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune reports. | Cole was diagnosed with elbow inflammation last August and was eventually shut down for the season. It appears that his recovery is going well and that he should be good to go when pitchers and catchers report to spring training in February. |
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Nov 9 2016 | Cole (elbow) should be able to have a normal offseason, according to agent Scott Boras, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports. | While it sounds like Cole should be able to go through his normal offseason routine in preparation for spring training, nothing should be taken for granted given the nature of the injury. Cole was diagnosed with elbow inflammation in late August -- the team has been adamant that there is no ligament damage -- and "needed a few months" to let the swelling go down, per Boras. Cole went 7-10 with a 3.88 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 98:36 K:BB in 21 starts in 2016. |
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Sep 19 2016 | The Pirates are encouraged Cole (elbow) isn't suffering from ligament damage, GM Neal Huntington said Sunday. | Speaking on his weekly radio show, Huntington said that all of the medical reports have prescribed rest -- as opposed to surgery -- as the best way to recover from the injury. Until Cole actually gets back out on the mound and says he feels good, however, there will remain some lingering doubt about the health of his elbow. |
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Sep 13 2016 | Cole has been shut down for the season, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports. | Cole returned from an elbow injury to start Monday's contest, but he struggled mightily, leading some to believe that his elbow was not back to full strength. With their playoff hopes fading, it seems that the Pirates are content with simply giving their ace an extended offseason and getting him fully ready for 2017. With Cole being placed on the 60-day DL, Drew Hutchison and Steven Brault could garner some more starts down the stretch. |
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Sep 12 2016 | Cole (7-10) was battered in his return to the rotation, allowing five runs in two innings on Monday against the Phillies. He gave up four hits, walked four, and struck out three. | Cole was making his first start since August 24, and it did not go according to plan. After entering August with a 2.78 ERA, Cole has watched that figure balloon to 3.88, due to the 18 earned runs he's coughed up in his last four starts. The 26-year-old will try to get back on track Saturday against the Reds. |
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Sep 12 2016 | The Pirates activated Cole (elbow) from the disabled list Monday. | Cole is ready to go after missing nearly three weeks with his sore elbow. He will jump right back into the rotation and take the ball Monday against the Phillies, a team he has limited to seven earned runs in 29.1 innings (2.15 ERA) over five career matchups. |
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Sep 4 2016 | Cole (elbow) is scheduled to rejoin the Pittsburgh rotation Sept. 12 in Philadelphia, Stephen Nesbitt of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. | Cole has progressed from flat ground to a bullpen session this week, and all reports of his health have been positive so far. Given the timing of his expected activation, it's possible Cole is sent on a brief rehab assignment before getting his next start in the majors, though a date hasn't been scheduled for that just yet. |
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Sep 3 2016 | Cole (elbow) threw a bullpen session before Saturday's game, MLB.com's Adam Berry reports. | This is a step in the right direction, as he last threw off flat ground Friday. The Pirates have a plan mapped out for Cole, with the intention of him returning before the end of the season, but it is unclear what the exact timetable looks like. Stay tuned for reports about how Cole felt after the bullpen session and what the next step in his recovery may be. |
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Sep 3 2016 | Cole threw 30 fastballs in Saturday's bullpen session and said his elbow is not a concern, MLB.com's Adam Berry reports. | He focused on repeating his delivery and said that everything felt good. The Pirates have not yet announced what the next step in Cole's recovery will be, but everything appears to be trending in the right direction. |
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Sep 2 2016 | Cole (elbow) threw on flat ground Friday, Stephen J. Nesbitt of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. | Although Cole plans to return before the season is over, an expected return date has yet to be set. The team will likely have a better idea of when Cole will return to the rotation after he begins pitching from a mound and increasing the intensity of his throwing sessions. |
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Aug 30 2016 | The Pirates expect Cole (elbow) to be able to pitch again this season, Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. | An MRI cleared Cole of any ligament damage but he is dealing with inflammation in his elbow, and there has been speculation that the inflammation may be the result of a bone spur. Cole was, however, able to play catch Tuesday according to Adam Berry of MLB.com, and the team seems to think he will be able to return at some point in September. Any future plans for the right-hander will likely be tentative as the Pirates wait and see how Cole responds as he progresses through his throwing program. |
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Aug 29 2016 | Cole was placed on the disabled list Monday with elbow inflammation, Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. | Although an MRI showed that Cole didn't have any ligament damage in his elbow, he'll still need a stint on the disabled list. At this point in time, an estimated return for Cole isn't known. In a corresponding move, Steven Brault was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis to fill Pittsburgh's empty roster spot. |
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Aug 27 2016 | Cole underwent an MRI on his elbow which showed no ligament damage, Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. | The Pirates sent Cole for an evaluation after an uncharacteristically poor run of starts -- Cole's ERA has ballooned from 2.73 to 3.55 in his last five outings. While no ligament damage was found, he's not completely in the clear yet, as Stephen Nesbitt of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is reporting that Cole could have a bone spur. He will miss Monday's start at the very least. |
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Aug 27 2016 | Cole (elbow) will not make his next scheduled start Monday against the Cubs, Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune reports. | Cole has experienced uncharacteristic struggles over his last three starts, giving up a total of 31 hits and 13 earned runs while striking out just 12. The right-hander is dealing with some soreness in his throwing elbow, and he'll fly to Los Angeles on Sunday to have the elbow examined. At this point, it's unclear if the 25-year-old is dealing with anything serious, but a further update should come sometime Sunday. The Pirates are yet to announce who will start in Cole's place Monday. |
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Aug 24 2016 | Cole (7-9) allowed five runs on seven hits, struck out four and walked one in a loss to the Astros on Wednesday. | The right-hander just hasn't been himself lately, as he's lost three straight decisions. Over his last 16 innings, Cole has allowed 14 runs (13 earned) on 31 hits. Prior to Wednesday, he actually yielded 12 hits in two straight appearances. His triceps injury obviously hurt, but Cole hasn't really been right all year. Lefties are hitting .320 against him, and his swinging-strike rate is down nearly 2.0 percent from last year, resulting in fewer strikeouts. Cole will try to get right in his next appearance Monday against the Cubs. |
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Aug 20 2016 | Cole didn't factor into the decision Friday against the Marlins, giving up three earned runs on 12 hits and three walks over 6.2 innings in Friday's 6-5 loss to the Marlins. He struck out five. | Cole was hit hard for a second straight start, giving up 12 hits after having yielded that same amount versus the Dodgers last Saturday. He notably gave up his first homer since way back on May 20 when he yielded a 403-foot solo shot to JT Realmuto to center in the sixth, a blast that was followed up by 387-foot bomb from Christian Yelich in the next frame. While he was able to limit the damage overall, the right-hander has now given up nine runs (eight earned) on 24 hits and three walks over the 11 frames encompassing his last pair of trips to the mound. Cole will try to bounce back when he takes on the Astros next Wednesday. |
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Aug 14 2016 | Cole (7-8) gave up six runs (five earned) on 12 hits over 4.1 innings in Saturday's 8-4 loss to the Dodgers. | While he didn't surrender any homers, Cole gave up five two-baggers and the most hits he has in a start all season. It was also the 25-year-old's shortest outing since July 16 against the Nationals, and he equaled the most runs and earned runs he'd surrendered in a 2016 appearance. Cole has now dropped four of his last six decisions and will try to reverse recent course when he takes on the Marlins next Friday. |
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Aug 7 2016 | Cole (7-7) gave up four runs on three hits and three walks over 5.2 innings Sunday while striking out six in a 7-3 loss to the Reds. | He didn't allow many baserunners but unfortunately the person he was allowing on base was Billy Hamilton, who stole third base twice off Cole among his own four steals and five (in five attempts) on the game for the Reds. Aside from his brilliant complete-game win over the Mariners at the end of July, Cole has had difficulty lasting deep into games since he returned to the rotation, throwing just 20.2 innings in his other four starts in July and August. He'll look for a better result in his next start Saturday on the road against the Dodgers. |
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Aug 2 2016 | Cole (7-6) allowed a pair of runs over five innings while scattering seven hits and two walks, striking out four in a win over the Braves. | Cole needed 97 pitches to get through five innings, mostly due to his nine baserunners allowed. His 65 strikes in 97 pitches aren't terrible, but fantasy owners were probably hoping for just a little more from Cole against a last-place Braves team. Cole held Freddie Freeman and Matt Kemp, the big bats for the Braves, to a combined 0-for-9, but it was the bottom of the Braves lineup that caused danger: the seven and eight hole hitters collected two hits apiece. Cole now has a 2.73 ERA and 1.28 WHIP, and will next take the hill against the Reds on Sunday. |
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Aug 2 2016 | Cole (7-6) allowed a pair of runs over five innings, while scattering seven hits and two walks, and striking out four in a win over the Braves. | Cole needed 97 pitches to get through five innings, mostly due to his nine baserunners allowed. His 65 strikes in 97 pitches aren't terrible, but fantasy owners were probably hoping for just a little more from Cole against a last-place Braves team. Cole held Freddie Freeman and Matt Kemp, the big bats for the Braves, to 0-for-9 combined, but it was the bottom of the Braves lineup that caused danger: the seven and eight hole hitters collected two hits apiece. Cole now has a 2.73 ERA and 1.28 WHIP, and will next take the hill against the Reds on Sunday. |
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Jul 27 2016 | Cole (6-6) dazzled Wednesday against the Mariners, tossing a complete game in which he allowed just one run on three hits and no walks while striking out six. | Cole was quite efficient on Wednesday, needing just 93 pitches to retire 27 Mariners as the Pirates cruised to a 10-1 blowout win. The complete game was Cole's first of his four-year career and came at a much-needed time for fantasy owners. Cole had lost his previous two starts since returning from a month-long DL stint in late June and early July. Cole now has a 2.78 ERA and a solid 73:23 K:BB ratio on the season. He'll look to keep things going next week in Atlanta. |
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Jul 23 2016 | Cole (5-6) gave up an earned run on six hits and a walk over six innings in Friday's 4-0 loss to the Phillies. He struck out seven. | He looked considerably better than in his first start off the DL last Saturday versus the Nationals, notching first-pitch strikes on 18 of the 26 hitters he faced and inducing 14 swinging strikes overall. Cole also stayed away from the long ball once again, marking his sixth consecutive appearance without surrendering a round-tripper. The 25-year-old will look for some run support, and his first victory since May 20, when he takes on the Brewers on Friday. |
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Jul 17 2016 | Cole (triceps) reported no new problems following Saturday's start against the Nationals, GM Neal Huntington said Sunday. | Speaking on his weekly radio show, Huntington said Cole looked rusty and was missing his spots. The Pittsburgh starter did flash glimpses of dominance, striking out four straight batters (including Bryce Harper). After a five-week layoff, look for Cole to pitch better in his next outing. |
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Jul 16 2016 | 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. | 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. |
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Jul 16 2016 | Cole (triceps) is listed as the starting pitcher for Saturday's game against the Nationals, Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune reports. | 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. |
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Jul 14 2016 | 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. | 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. |
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Jul 6 2016 | Cole (triceps) will throw a bullpen session Thursday, Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. | 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. |
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Jul 4 2016 | Cole (triceps) will start a rehab assignment Tuesday with Triple-A Indianapolis, Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. | 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. |
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Jul 1 2016 | Cole (triceps) threw a simulated game Friday and felt good, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports. | 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. |
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Jun 28 2016 | Cole (triceps) threw a 35-pitch bullpen session Tuesday, Stephen J. Nesbitt of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. | 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. |
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Jun 26 2016 | 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. | 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. |
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Jun 22 2016 | Cole (triceps) will not be ready to return disabled list when first eligible, Adam Berry of ESPN.com reports. | Cole has begun playing catch but has not thrown off a mound yet, so he still has some work to do in his rehab. In order to protect against any kind of setback, it is likely that the Pirates will hold their ace out until he is fully healthy. |
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Jun 21 2016 | Cole (triceps) played catch Sunday and Monday, according to the Pirates' website. | 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. |
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Jun 14 2016 | Cole (triceps) is not expected to start as soon as he's eligible to return from the disabled list, Root Sports Pittsburgh reports. | He'll get the Dodgers at home sometime during the weekend of June 24-26. Cole avoided serious injury when he came out of Friday's game against St. Louis with a strained triceps muscle. |
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Jun 14 2016 | Cole (triceps) was placed on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday retroactive to June 11, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports. | According to Berry, the Pirates are officially calling Cole's injury a "right triceps muscle strain" after getting the results of his MRI back. Cole suffered the injury Friday when he left his start in the third inning with tightness in his right triceps. The move to place him on the DL is retroactive to June 11, so he could theoretically be back by June 26 if he's ready, but the Pirates have yet to release an expected timetable for his return. Pitching prospect Jameson Taillon was recalled from Triple-A to start Tuesday and take Cole's spot on the active roster for the time being. |
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Jun 13 2016 | Cole (triceps) declined to discuss the results of his MRI and is no longer listed as Thursday's probable starter against the Mets, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. | Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said Sunday that the team is waiting on a final medical evaluation before making any decisions. With the official game notes now listing Thursday's starter as "TBA," fantasy owners in weekly leagues may want to bench Cole for the coming week. |
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Jun 11 2016 | Cole (undisclosed) is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Saturday, FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports. | The Pirates will do their due diligence with their star pitcher Saturday after Cole left his start Friday with tightness in his right triceps. According to Rosenthal, the expectation going into the MRI is that Cole will likely miss some time, but the injury isn't believed to be season-ending. More information on Cole's status moving forward will be made available after Saturday's MRI. |
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Jun 10 2016 | Cole exited Friday's game in the third inning with right triceps tightness. | While that's not the worst diagnosis to hear, there's also plenty of things that can go wrong with power pitchers and triceps problems. Cole is likely day-to-day for now with more clarity coming Saturday when he's re-examined. |
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Jun 10 2016 | Cole exited Friday's start in the third inning after a visit from a team trainer, Sarah Spencer of MLB.com reports. | Cole entered the third inning cruising, then allowed a hit and left with an apparent injury. A.J. Schugel took over in relief. Check back later for details. |
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Jun 5 2016 | Cole allowed three runs with four strikeouts compared to just one walk across 6.2 innings in Sunday's start versus the Angels. He did not factor into the decision. | Cole pounded the strike zone and was nearly in line to earn the win Sunday, but the bullpen allowed a late lead to slip away as the Angels won with a late rally. He is the owner of a sparkling 2.85 ERA through 66.1 innings, but his K/9 rate now sits at a career-low 7.08. Although he has slightly underachieved in a couple of areas, Cole is still a strong fantasy asset and will look to get back in the win column Friday against the Cardinals. |
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May 31 2016 | Cole (5-4) allowed three runs on nine hits and two walks with four strikeouts over 6.1 innings in a loss Tuesday against the Marlins. | Cole was dominant in six shutout innings to open the start, but he gave up three singles (including one infield hit), a walk and a wild pitch to surrender a three-run seventh inning. He was finally pulled after 108 pitches and may have simply ran out of gas. Despite the hitch, Cole still has four quality starts in his last five starts, a span in which he has allowed just six earned runs and has lowered his ERA from 3.95 to 2.72. |
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May 26 2016 | Cole allowed one unearned run on seven hits and three walks in five innings Thursday against Arizona. | Cole, who threw 70 of 106 pitches for strikes, struggled with his pinpoint control at various times. After failing to record a strikeout in his last start, the righty struck out the first batter he faced and then retired the side on strikeouts in his last inning. He also went 2-for-3 with a double and a three-run homer, but lost the win when A.J. Schugel gave up two runs in the sixth inning. |
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May 20 2016 | Cole allowed one run on 10 hits, walking one, and failing to strike out a batter over seven innings of a 2-1 win against Colorado on Friday night. | An unusual outing to say the least for the Pirates' young ace. Cole (5-3) pitched around baserunners all night, and failed to register even one strikeout. He threw strikes (72 of 109 pitches) but saw a lot of balls fouled off (25) and only four swinging strikes. He'll carry a snappy 2.79 ERA when he faces off against Arizona in Pittsburgh next time out. |
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May 9 2016 | Cole (3-3) allowed two runs on six hits and two walks over six innings Sunday, striking out seven, to get the win as the Pirates downed the Cardinals 10-5. | He's still having trouble lasting deep into games and Cole needed 104 pitches (65 strikes) to get through Sunday's outing. He hasn't pitched more than six innings in a start all season, with an elevated walk rate (3.24 BB/9 after a 1.90 rate last year) seeming to be the primary culprit. He'll have a tough matchup in his next start, a duel against Jake Arrieta in Wrigley Field on Friday, so we'll see if Cole can rise to the occasion. |
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May 2 2016 | Cole (2-3) allowed six runs in 4.2 innings in a losing effort against the Cubs on Monday. He allowed six hits and four walks while striking out six. | The six runs were the most Cole has allowed in a single start in his career. The 25-year-old had allowed a total of seven runs in his first four games this season, which indicates Monday's dud was just a speed bump for the 2015 All-Star. Cole will try to right the ship Sunday against the Cardinals. |
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Apr 26 2016 | Cole (2-2) allowed four runs but just two earned on eight hits over six innings Tuesday in a win over the Rockies. | Thanks to a passed ball and an error, Cole managed to squeeze in the quality start. Even though he struggled to miss bats like he usually does (six swinging strikes, three strikeouts), Cole limited the Rockies to mostly weak contact. The only extra-base knock of Colorado's eight hits was a Nolan Arenado home run. That home run was the first Cole has allowed this year, a big reason why he owns a sharp 2.78 ERA. |
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Apr 21 2016 | Cole (1-2) didn't allow a run over six innings against the Padres on Thursday to claim his first win of the 2016 season. He allowed four hits, struck out seven and walked none. | The right-hander pitched better in his second outing last week, but didn't really seem like himself during his first two starts. He looked great Thursday, registering 20 called strikes and eight swing-and-misses. He actually only threw a first-pitch strike to 12 of the 22 batters he faced, but he still avoided any walks. Cole now has 16 strikeouts and just four walks over 16.2 innings. His next start will be Tuesday in Colorado. |
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Apr 14 2016 | Cole (0-2) pitched six innings, allowing two runs, four hits and one walk while striking out five in Thursday's loss to the Tigers. | It was an improvement compared to his bumpy debut last week against the Reds, but Cole still was saddled with the loss. For the first time in his career, the righty sits at 0-2 after his first two starts to begin a season. The 25-year-old will return to the hill next week against the Padres, who became the first team in major league history to be shut out five times in the first 10 games after striking out 16 times in a 3-0 loss Thursday to the Phillies. |
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Apr 5 2016 | Cole is expected to make his first start of the season Saturday versus the Reds, Stephen J. Nesbitt of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. | After being very limited in spring training, Cole is back to full health and is set to make his season debut. There were thoughts that he'd make his first start Friday, but the Pirates decided to have Francisco Liriano pitch on that day to keep him on schedule. Because of this, Jeff Locke will now pitch on Sunday. |
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Apr 2 2016 | Cole threw six scoreless innings at the Pirates' minor-league complex Saturday, John Dreker of Pirates Prospects reports. | Given that the Pittsburgh ace suffered no apparent setbacks, look for him to make his season debut during the first weekend in Cincinnati. After a rocky spring which included a contract controversy and rib injury, Cole appears set to give the Pirates and fantasy owners another season of elite pitching. |
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Mar 28 2016 | Cole could stay behind in Florida when the Pirates head north for the opening series against St. Louis, Root Sports Pittsburgh reports. | The thinking is that Cole would start one more minor-league game in Florida before starting for the Pirates in Cincinnati during the first weekend. The righty struggled with his consistency Monday, but at least he got his work in -- he threw 83 pitches -- and avoided reinjuring his ribcage. For whatever reason, Cole hasn't pitched well at all in Cincinnati, compiling a 4.30 ERA and 1.35 WHIP in 23 innings and four career starts at Great American Ballpark. |
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Mar 28 2016 | Cole surrendered two earned runs on eight hits and a walk while striking out four in a 6-4 loss to Minnesota Monday. | It was only his second appearance in MLB spring training thus far and it appears he's still working out some kinks. Cole is returning from a rib injury he suffered before spring training so any live game action is positive news from a purely health standpoint. Although the return from his injury may cause him to be out of order in the rotation for Opening Day, he's in line to make a start for the Pirates sometime in the first week of the regular season. |
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Mar 13 2016 | Cole (ribs) made his Grapefruit League debut Sunday, yielding two runs on two solo homers in two innings. He struck out one batter and didn't allow a walk. | He made it through the outing with no apparent ill effects and will use the final three weeks of spring training to build up his arm. Cole totaled 37 pitches, sitting 92 mph while maxing out at 96 mph. |
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Mar 11 2016 | Pirates manager Clint Hurdle wouldn't say whether Cole (rib) will be ready for his first regular-season start, Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. | Hurdle said Cole will be at the 6-inning/100-pitch mark by Opening Day. The righty hasn't pitched yet during spring training -- he's expected to make his Grapefruit League debut Sunday. |
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Mar 9 2016 | Cole (ribs) is scheduled to make his spring debut Sunday and throw two innings, Travis Sawchik of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. | Cole had a successful bullpen session Monday, so it appears that the Pirates are confident enough in where he's at physically that they can schedule him to appear. Assuming all goes well in the next coming days, Cole will slot back into his role as the ace of the Pittsburgh rotation. |
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Mar 7 2016 | Cole threw a successful, 37-pitch bullpen session Monday, Stephen Nesbitt of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. | Cole has been slowed by a rib-cage injury this spring training so his bullpen session is a step in the right direction for his recovery process. The right-hander used all four pitches with command and said "It went well" which is obviously good news for the Pirates. The 25-year old is coming off a breakout 2015 campaign in which he went 19-8 and had a 2.60 ERA and 202 K's. The flame-thrower is scheduled to throw another bullpen session Wednesday and he hopes to be ready by the start of the regular season. |
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Mar 7 2016 | Cole (ribs) will throw another batting practice session before the Pirates determine whether or not he's ready to progress to game action, Stephen Nesbitt of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. | Cole threw his first live batting practice session of the spring Friday, and all indications are that he fared well with no setbacks. Assuming that's the case after this next session, he could be cleared to return to spring game action within the next week or two. Regardless, Cole's status for Opening Day doesn't appear to be in much jeopardy. |
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Mar 4 2016 | Cole (rib) was cleared to throw his first live batting practice session of the spring Friday, Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. | There has been no word yet on how the session went, but no news is usually good news. Cole was slated for a couple simulated innings, each consisting of 15 pitches or so. This injury does not seem to be anything that would jeopardize Cole's status for Opening Day, but we will continue to monitor him until he's pitching in spring games. |
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Feb 24 2016 | Cole is throwing without restrictions, the Pittsburgh Tribune's Rob Biertempfel reports. | 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. |
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Feb 22 2016 | Cole (ribs) through 20 pitches during a bullpen session Monday, Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. | 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. |
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Feb 19 2016 | Cole has been dealing with right rib inflammation and is limited to throwing on flat ground for now, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports. | 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. |
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Feb 19 2016 | Cole (ribs) declined to answer a question regarding whether he will be ready for Opening Day on Friday, Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. | 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. |
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Feb 19 2016 | Cole (ribs) declined to answer a question regarding whether he will be ready for Opening Day on Friday, Rob Biertempful of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. | 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. |
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Oct 8 2015 | 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. | 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. |
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Oct 7 2015 | Cole holds a career 7-1 mark with a 2.55 ERA and 1.10 WHIP in 56.1 innings against the Cubs. | 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. |
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Oct 4 2015 | 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. | 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. |
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Sep 30 2015 | 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. | 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 if and when he starts the NL wild-card game against the Cubs next week. |
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Sep 25 2015 | 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. | 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. |
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Sep 21 2015 | 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. | 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. |
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Sep 8 2015 | Cole is expected to start one game of the Pirates' doubleheader against the Cubs on Sept. 15, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports. | Manager Clint Hurdle has decided to skip Cole this week and insert A.J. Burnett (elbow) back into the rotation. Cole said he feels great right now, but he's already at 180.2 frames for the season, and Hurdle said he wanted to line Cole up for starts against the Cubs, Dodgers, Cubs, Cardinals and potentially yet another start against the Cubs in the NL Wild Card game. |
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Sep 7 2015 | Cole will have his next start skipped, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette | Cole is sitting at 180.2 innings pitched for the season, by far the highest number of his career. And with the Pirates in playoff position, they can afford to skip his turn in the rotation in hopes of preserving his arm for a potential National League wild-card game. Starting in Cole's place Thursday against Milwaukee will be A.J. Burnett, who will return to the rotation after missing more than a month with a flexor strain in his right elbow. The 38-year-old holds a 3.06 ERA in 21 starts this season. Assuming Pittsburgh sticks to its current plan, Cole's next start will fall on September 15, when the Pirates play a doubleheader against the Cubs. |
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Sep 1 2015 | Cole allowed five earned runs on eight hits and one walk in just four innings Tuesday (tying the shortest outing of his career) in a 7-4 loss to the Brewers. | Milwaukee jumped on Cole for four runs in the first inning of a game in which the pitcher tied a career high in earned runs permitted. The righty threw 77 pitches (49 strikes) including an inordinate high number of curves and fewer sliders than usual. He now holds a 3.94 ERA in 41.1 IP since July. |
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Sep 1 2015 | Cole allowed five earned runs on eight hits and one walk in just four innings Tuesday (tied for the shortest outing of his career) in a 7-4 loss to the Brewers. | Milwaukee jumped on Cole for four runs in the first inning of a game in which the pitcher tied a career high in earned runs permitted. The righty threw 77 pitches (49 strikes) including an inordinate high number of curves and fewer sliders than usual. He now holds a 4.04 ERA in 30.1 IP since July. |
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Aug 30 2015 | The Pirates have moved Cole's next start up from Wednesday to Tuesday, giving him two starts in the coming week, according to David Todd of ESPN 970 in Pittsburgh. | Cole will face the Brewers in Milwaukee on Tuesday and then square off against the Cardinals in St. Louis on Sunday. The change also means Cole will miss Cincinnati a week from Monday. The righty is 0-3 with a 5.95 ERA and 1.83 WHIP in four starts versus the Reds in 2015. |
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Aug 27 2015 | Cole (15-7) tossed 7.1 sparkling innings against Miami on Thursday, allowing just one run on five hits. He struck out four without a walk in the 2-1 win. | The young ace had gone five straight starts without a win -- the longest drought of his career -- but we all knew it'd only be a matter of time until he righted the ship. Cole can also hardly be blamed for those non-wins, considering that he only gave up more than three earned runs once in that span. The scary thing for NL Central opponents? He's still got upside from here. |
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Aug 22 2015 | Cole was back in dominant form Saturday, allowing just one unearned run on three hits and three walks over seven innings while striking out eight. | He came away with a no-decision, but it was still an impressive rebound for Cole, who'd allowed 12 earned runs over 23 innings in his first four starts of August. He'll look for his first win of the month on Thursday in Miami. |
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Aug 18 2015 | Following Cole's Monday's start, batters have now compiled a .394 BABIP off the righty through four August starts. | It's been suggested that Cole might be going through a dead-arm phase but he hasn't showed his same command in the strike zone from earlier in the season. Cole has already totaled 541 sliders in 2433 pitches after throwing 286 sliders in 2197 pitches a year ago. There's been talk Pittsburgh could push his next start back but with the likes of J.A. Happ and Jeff Locke as rotation alternatives, that might not happen. Cole has not hinted at any injury responsible for his diminished results. |
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Aug 13 2015 | Cole (14-6) gave up four runs -- three earned -- on seven hits and two walks while striking out six in 5.1 innings in a loss to the Cardinals on Wednesday. | Cole has struggled in the month of August, as he is 0-2 in three starts while totaling 16.1 innings. He has also lost three straight starts on the road after winning the previous three and is 0-2 with a 3.80 ERA against the Cardinals in four starts this season. That being said, he is still tied for the major league lead in wins with 14. |
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Aug 7 2015 | Cole allowed three runs on four hits, walking three and striking out five over six innings, but came away with a no-decision as Pittsburgh defeated the Dodgers 5-4 in 10 innings Friday night. | Cole (14-5, 2.39 ERA) was matched up against fellow ace Clayton Kershaw, but neither pitcher was especially sharp on this night. Cole left the game after six innings with a 4-3 lead, but an unearned run in the seventh inning eliminated his chance to log his 15th win of the year. While this was technically a quality start, Cole sets the bar somewhat higher, and he'll probably have many more starts that surpass this one for quality. |
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Jul 22 2015 | Despite getting 11 days off between starts, Cole is approaching a workload that could give the Pirates cause for concern down the stretch. | At 124.2 innings pitched, The righthander is already within 13.1 innings of his 2014 big-league total. He did throw 22.1 Triple-A rehab innings last year, which alleviates some concern, but what is perhaps more troubling is his increased reliance on the slider. Cole, who totaled 286 sliders a year ago, has blown past that number with 432 sliders thrown in 2015. His fastball velocity is actually up year over year (95.5 mph to 95.3 mph, respectively) and he's shown no signs of slowing down, but the ace missed time last August with two separate DL stints with back and lat issues. Cole's xFIP (2.94) suggests he's due for a bit of regression with his current 2.31 ERA, but its an increased slider usage -- from 12.1 percent to 22.6 percent -- that's really something to keep an eye on. |
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Jul 21 2015 | Cole fell to 13-4 after taking the loss Tuesday against Kansas City despite a quality start. he allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits and no walks, with six strikeouts over 7.1 innings. | Cole threw seven shutout innings before the Royals finally got to him in the eighth. Cole's ERA rose by just one hundredth of a run to 2.31; Tuesday's start was almost perfectly average for Cole, a great illustration of just how excellent he has been over 19 starts. |
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Jul 10 2015 | Cole allowed two runs on six hits, walking two and striking out three over seven innings of a 5-2 win against the Cardinals on Friday night. | For Cole (13-3, 2.30 ERA) it was a rather pedestrian outing, albeit against one of the better teams in the National League. The 13 wins are a league best as he continues to set the pace for the Pirates and further establish himself as one of the better starters in the game. |
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Jul 5 2015 | Cole improved to 12-3 with a win over the Indians on Sunday. He gave up three runs on five hits and one walk while striking out five over eight innings. | After giving up a combined 17 hits in his final two starts of June (11.1 innings), Cole limited Cleveland to just five base knocks in his first outing of July, with only one going for extra bases. He was dominant after the third inning, retiring 16 straight batters to end his outing. With a major-league leading 12 wins to go along with 113 strikeouts and excellent ratios, Cole has been right there among the best pitchers in the National League behind Max Scherzer. |
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Jun 30 2015 | Cole pitched well in a no-decision Tuesday, holding the Tigers to two runs in 6.2 innings. | Cole struck out six and didn't walk a batter in what amounted to an excellent bounce-back effort after his turbulent start against the Reds. The 24 year old will carry a 2.20 ERA and 1.14 WHIP to his start against the Indians this weekend. |
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Jun 25 2015 | Cole gave up eight hits and five earned runs over just 4.2 innings pitched on Wednesday against the Reds. He walked three and struck out five to earn the loss. | Cole (11-3) had won six straight starts entering Wednesday's game against the Reds, and the streak was finally broken. He had a rough first inning in which he gave up four runs to put the Pirates in a early hole. Cole is the front runner right now for the NL Cy Young Award, and fantasy owners shouldn't be concerned whatsoever. Everyone loses once in awhile. |
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Jun 18 2015 | Cole reeled off his sixth straight win Thursday, holding the White Sox to two runs in seven innings on three hits and three walks. | He needed 107 pitches (66 for strikes) to make it through seven frames and his four punchouts represent a season low. Cole left Thursday's tilt with the score tied at two apiece but became eligible for the win when Pittsburgh scored a go-ahead run in the eighth. He's now won 11 of his 14 starts and features a glittering 1.78 ERA in 91 innings. |
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Jun 13 2015 | Cole became the first pitcher to 10 wins on Saturday, giving up two runs (one earned) on five hits in six innings as the Pirates downed the Phillies 4-3. He struck out seven. | If you're taking part in a rest-of-season redraft league this weekend, it would be tough to argue against Cole being the first pitcher off the board given his dominance so far. Cole's 1.71 ERA and 93:19 K:BB ratio in 84 innings are elite, and he'll look for win number 11 on the road against the White Sox on Thursday. |
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Jun 8 2015 | Cole earned his ninth victory Sunday, hurling seven shutout innings on six hits, three walks and seven strikeouts against the Braves. | He also plunked a pair of batters in a testy, highly-charged affair. After throwing 100 pitches in his previous outing, Cole came back with a season-high 116 pitches Sunday. Manager Clint Hurdle noted that Thursday's off-day will push his next start -- a home start against Philadelphia -- back a day, which let the team loosen the reigns on its stud Sunday. He walked three batters for the first time in 12 starts against Atlanta. |
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Jun 2 2015 | Cole struck out nine and walked two while holding the Giants to two runs -- both unearned -- on five hits over seven innings en route to his eighth win of the season. | He's continuing his ascent to ace status, if he hasn't officially reached that level already. Cole's 22.3 K-BB% ranks 11th among qualified starters, and the list ahead of him is almost entirely populated by the elite pitchers in the game. He'll draw the Braves on the road Sunday for his next start. |
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May 27 2015 | Cole improved to 7-2 on Wednesday, holding the Marlins to two runs -- both solo homers -- on seven hits while striking out seven in seven innings. | Everything came up sevens for Cole in this one, and he continues to deliver consistently ace-quality work for the Pirates on every fifth day. Cole had only given up two homers in his first nine starts, so he doubled that total Wednesday, but he generally does a great job keeping the ball in the yard. He'll draw the Giants on Monday. |
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May 22 2015 | Cole allowed one run (unearned) on six hits, walking one and striking out 10 over 8.1 innings of a 4-1 win against the Mets on Friday night. | Cole (6-2, 2.05 ERA) was simply masterful. They tried to get him his first career complete game, and he did hit 99 mph in the ninth inning, but a single and a walk with one out prompted his departure. He was in command throughout, and looked every bit the ace, tossing 111 pitches (74 for strikes) in the impressive performance. |
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May 11 2015 | Cole won his fifth game in seven starts Monday, limiting the Phillies to two runs on six hits and two walks in seven innings. He struck out six batters. | He threw 60 of 94 pitches for strikes but didn't have his best fastball command. Even so, the righthander lowered his earned-run average to 2.32 and WHIP to 1.13, respectively. Cole will get the Cubs in Chicago over the weekend. |
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May 6 2015 | Cole (4-1) took his first loss of the year Wednesday, allowing three runs on eight hits and two walks over five innings against the Reds. | Cole made it through a quiet first three innings, but ran into a lot of trouble in the fourth and fifth, and ended up throwing 91 pitches before being removed. Nonetheless, prior to this outing, Cole looked like he was in the process of developing into the ace we always expected him to become, and one subpar outing won't change that. He draws the struggling Phillies his next time out. |
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Apr 29 2015 | Cole struck out eight and walked one while giving up only an unearned run on three hits to pick up the win Wednesday against the Cubs. | Cole (4-0) lowered his ERA to 1.76 and is now 6-0 in six career starts against the Cubs. With a 35:8 K:BB ratio, Cole is off to a hot start with four straight wins in his last four starts. He'll look to continue his win streak next Wednesday when he faces off against the Reds. |
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Apr 25 2015 | Cole struck out seven and walked two while giving up one run on seven hits over 7.2 innings in a winning effort Friday against Arizona. | It was an excellent outing for Cole, who threw a first-pitch strike to 27 of the 32 batters he faced, and pounded the zone with 78 of his 108 pitches going for strikes. In addition to missing more bats early this season (career-high 12.1% swinging-strike rate), Cole has increased his groundball rate to a career-high 62.1%. If those early signs of skills growth hold, Cole can ascend to fantasy ace status this season. |
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Apr 20 2015 | Cole moved to 2-0 on Sunday, giving up just two runs against the Brewers while striking out six and walking one over 6.0 innings. | He got into a bit of trouble in the second inning and gave up a pair of runs, but was able to limit the damage and was bailed out by his offense. Cole now boasts a 3.18 ERA and 20:5 K:BB ratio on the season and could be ready to make the leap into the upper echelon of fantasy starters. A matchup with the Arizona Diamondbacks awaits in his next start on Friday. |
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Apr 13 2015 | Cole struck out eight and walked two while holding the Tigers to one run on three hits over six innings in a winning effort Monday. | Mark Melancon nearly coughed up a four-run lead in the ninth inning, but he managed to preserve the victory for Cole despite a rough outing. Cole handed the Tigers their first loss of the season Monday, generating 15 swinging strikes and seven of his 10 contact outs on the ground. He'll make his next scheduled start Sunday against the Brewers at PNC Park. |
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Apr 9 2015 | Cole lasted only five innings in his season debut Wednesday against the Reds, giving up three runs on five hits and two walks with six strikeouts. | The strikeouts are nice to see, but it was an inefficient outing for Cole, who needed 93 pitches just to get through five frames. He'll look to polish things up next week against Detroit. |
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Mar 14 2015 | Cole gave up two runs on four hits in 3.1 innings Saturday, striking out one while walking none against the Red Sox. | He allowed two solo homers to Mike Napoli on Saturday in an otherwise decent showing. Cole reached his 65-pitch limit in less than four innings, however, so there's still plenty of room for improvement. Most importantly, the righthander has shown no signs of injury after dealing with lat, back and thumb issues in 2014. |
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Sep 28 2014 | Cole will take the hill for the Pirates in Sunday's season finale, Travis Sawchik of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. | Cole dealt with a cut on his thumb during his last start, but was able to adapt, tossing seven innings of two-run ball. Although it affected his velocity a bit, the ailment won't stop him from making his regularly scheduled start. This announcement likely means that either Jeff Locke or Vance Worley would take the hill on Monday, and Edinson Volquez would start in the Wild Card game, if necessary. |
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Sep 24 2014 | Cole pitched well Tuesday despite dealing with a bloody cut on the back of his pitching thumb. | It's not known whether the thumb impacted his command or performance the first few innings, when his velocity was off several miles-per-hour, but he adapted well to the discomfort. Cole also spent time on the disabled list in July and August with separate back injuries, but it doesn't appear a bad back is in play right now. |
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Sep 23 2014 | Cole was dominant Tuesday, giving up two runs on four hits and two walks with eight strikeouts in seven innings against the Braves. | Cole picked up his 11th win of the season, and, more importantly, it was the win that secured a trip to the postseason for Pittsburgh. His velocity was down to 91-93 mph early in the game, but as the game went on he recovered his typical gas and retired the final 17 batters he faced. With a playoff berth secured, there's a chance the Pirates could opt to sit Cole and pitch him in the team's first game of the playoffs if there's nothing to be gained by starting him in the final game of the regular season against the Reds. Cole's owners will want to pay close attention to how the National League Central race develops over the coming days, as the Bucs are just 1.5 games behind the Cardinals in the division race as of Tuesday night. |
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Sep 18 2014 | Cole earned his 10th win of the season Thursday by throwing seven strong innings against Boston. He allowed two runs and six hits, while striking out seven. | After making quality starts against the Cubs in his last two appearances, Cole fared well against a struggling Red Sox offense. He's made five quality starts in six tries since coming off the disabled list in late August, although that is a little deceiving, given that he's posted a 3.99 ERA during that period. On a positive note, he has a sparkling 40:9 K:BB ratio during that stretch, a span of 38.1 innings. The young righty is scheduled to make two road starts next week against Atlanta and Cincinnati. |
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Sep 12 2014 | Cole turned in six innings Friday night versus the Cubs, allowing three earned runs on five hits and a walk while picking up six strikeouts en route to his ninth win of the season. | Since returning from a near seven-week stay on the DL back on August 20, Cole has been a steady but less than stellar presence through five turns in the Pirates' rotation. Over this span, the young right-hander has posted a 4.31 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 9.5 K/9 across 31.1 innings. Cole is slated to be back atop the mound Thursday versus the Red Sox. |
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Sep 7 2014 | Cole allowed three earned runs on nine hits and eight strikeouts in six innings in the Pirates' 10-4 win over the Cubs on Sunday. | Cole has allowed 13 runs in his last three starts, but he's lasted at least six innings in each of those starts. |
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Sep 1 2014 | Cole was recalled from High-A Bristol on Monday, Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. | Cole was optioned to add an extra spot on the roster before it expanded Monday. As expected, he was recalled and will start Monday for the Pirates. |
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Aug 29 2014 | Cole was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday. | Cole is expected to make his next start, but was optioned to open up a roster spot before the rosters expand in September. He will almost certainly rejoin the roster at that point. |
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Aug 26 2014 | Cole gave up two runs on three hits in six innings while walking one and fanning nine in Tuesday's no-decision against the visiting Cardinals. | The nine whiffs were just one shy of his season-high of 10 from way back on April 10 in his second start of the season. Cole also kept the ball in the ballpark for the sixth start in a row, and has given up just a stingy eight homers in 98.2 innings this season. The sophomore will bring his 3.65 ERA and 34:93 BB:K into St. Louis for his next start Monday. |
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Aug 20 2014 | Cole struck out six and walked four while holding the Braves to two runs on five hits over seven innings in his return from the disabled list Wednesday. | Considering that he pitched deep into the game and was able to throw 97 pitches, Cole doesn't appear to have any restrictions at this point. The young right-hander's health will be crucial to the Pirates' push for a return to the postseason, and he'll make his next start Tuesday in Game 2 of a huge series against the Cardinals. |
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Aug 20 2014 | Cole (back) was activated from the 15-day DL in advance of Wednesday's start against the Braves. | Cole's return couldn't come at a better time with the Pirates riding a seven-game losing streak. The team's playoff hopes may be starting to fade as a result, but if Cole returns to pitch at the level he did last September, they could make up ground quickly. |
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Aug 17 2014 | Cole (back) has been confirmed as Wednesday's starter, Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune reports. | Cole was fully expected to start Wednesday in place of the injured Charlie Morton (hip), but the news is now official. The right-hander is 3-1 over four rehab starts for Triple-A Indianapolis, owning a 2.01 ERA and 1.16 WHIP over that span. He'll now be a mainstay in the Pittsburgh rotation while attempting to help the team earn a playoff berth. |
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Aug 17 2014 | Cole (back) is on track to start Wednesday against the Braves, MLB.com's Tom Singer reports. | Cole has passed all his rehab tests in the minors, and had already been told that he'd return to the mound for the Pirates at some point this week. The only uncertainty here was what day this would arrive, but with Charlie Morton's placement on the 15-day DL Sunday, it seems probable that Cole will take his rotation spot on Wednesday. If any owners had previously cut bait on the Pirates' ace during his extended absence, it would be wise to scoop him up as soon as possible in just about any format. |
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Aug 16 2014 | Cole (back) threw seven shutout innings and 92 pitches (59 for strikes) Friday for Triple-A Indianapolis and appears set to rejoin the Pirates rotation in the coming week. | The right-handed hit a hiccup in his rehab several starts ago but has rebounded nicely with 13 straight shutout innings. Cole's velocity has returned and it looks like he'll start in Milwaukee next weekend. |
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Aug 16 2014 | Pirates manager Clint Hurdle confirmed that Cole (back) will start for the major league team this upcoming week, Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. | While the team has not yet set a date for Cole to return to the rotation, he will toe the major league rubber next week for the first time since July 4. Back issues have limited Cole to just 14 starts this season, but if his rehab outing Friday with Triple-A Indianapolis is any indication (seven shutout innings), he could be a major X factor over the final six weeks or so. |
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Aug 12 2014 | Cole (back) will make another rehab start Saturday at Triple-A Indianapolis, Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. | If everything goes well, Cole could be ready to return to the Pirates' rotation on August 21, as he was able to throw 73 pitches in his latest start Sunday. |
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Aug 10 2014 | Cole (back) retired 18 of the 19 batters he faced in a rehab start with Triple-A Indianapolis on Sunday, MILB.com reports. | Cole was roughed up in his previous rehab start, but he was in top form Sunday. Cole threw 73 pitches Sunday and has made three rehab starts, so there is a chance his next appearance could come with the Pirates later this week. |
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Aug 8 2014 | Cole (back) will make his next rehab start Sunday, Tom Singer of MLB.com reports. | The Pirates will keep Cole on normal rest for his next outing with Triple-A Indianapolis, putting a return to the big club next Friday at least within the realm of possibility. However, given his struggles his last time out (five runs on 10 hits over 4.1 innings), Cole could be forced to show improvement over a couple starts before being activated. |
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Aug 7 2014 | Cole (back) will throw a bullpen session Thursday before making his next rehab start for Triple-A Indy, the Beaver County Times reports. | The timeline for Cole's return continues to get pushed back. It's getting harder and harder to see how he'll make a big impact down the stretch. He's made a total of just three starts since May. |
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Aug 6 2014 | Cole (back) will make another rehab start, Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. | It was widely assumed that Cole would need another rehab start after he was blasted for five runs on 10 hits over just 4.1 innings in his outing with Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday, and manager Clint Hurdle confirmed as much Wednesday. Hurdle did not offer up a specific date for Cole's next rehab outing, but may very well be Sunday if the team keeps him on normal rest. While Cole's velocity was up at 95-96 mph through his first four innings Tuesday, it dipped all the way down to 91-92 in the fifth. |
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Aug 5 2014 | Cole (back) gave up five runs on 10 hits and a walk, while striking out three over 4.1 innings, in a rehab start for Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday, Travis Sawchik of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. | Feeling that Cole needed to "refine some things," the Pirates scratched the right-hander from his scheduled rehab outing over the weekend and instead had him throw a bullpen session. It seems he still has some things to work out, as the results Tuesday weren't pretty for Cole, though it's uncertain where he sat in terms of velocity. Regardless, the Pirates seem likely to send Cole for at least one more rehab start before returning him to the major league rotation. |
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Aug 4 2014 | Cole (back) will has been named as the probable starter for the Triple-A Indians on Tuesday, according to the Indianapolis Website. | The right-hander had his Saturday start scratched, but it looks like he'll be able to go Tuesday. Cole has been placed on the disabled list for two separate injuries in the last five weeks and his actual return isn't close to a guarantee. We'll have a better idea about his status following Tuesday's outing. |
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Aug 2 2014 | Cole (back) threw a bullpen session Saturday, Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. "He's working on getting his game together," manager Clint Hurdle said. | The decision to scratch Cole from his scheduled start for Triple-A Indianapolis on Saturday was so he could "refine some things" in a bullpen session, according to GM Neal Huntington. Hurdle expressed a similar sentiment, suggesting Cole has not suffered a setback and is instead just trying to regain his feel on the mound, but either way, an estimated return date for Cole is currently up in the air. The team will see how he feels Sunday morning and then decide whether to have him throw another bullpen or send him out for a rehab start. |
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Aug 1 2014 | Cole has been scratched from his scheduled rehab start for Triple-A Indianapolis on Saturday, but GM Neal Huntington said it was so he could throw another bullpen session "to refine some things," Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. | Huntington's words imply that Cole has not suffered any sort of setback, but scratch will further delay the right-hander's return to the major league rotation. Cole tossed five scoreless innings in his first rehab start for Indy on Monday, but evidently he still has some mechanical kinks to work out. |
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Jul 31 2014 | Cole (back) will make a rehab start for Triple-A Indianapolis on Saturday, Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. | After tossing five scoreless innings in his first rehab outing Monday, Cole remains on track to rejoin the rotation either Aug. 7 or 8. The first would mean a home outing against the Marlins, while the second would provide a dream matchup versus the pitiful San Diego offense. |
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Jul 28 2014 | Cole (back) tossed five scoreless innings Monday in his first rehab start, and will likely rejoin the Pirates' rotation on either Aug. 7 or Aug. 8, the Pittsburgh Tribune's Rob Biertempfel reports. | He gave up four hits and three walks with seven strikeouts during Monday's start for Triple-A Indianapolis, and will make one more rehab start before returning to Pittsburgh's rotation, if everything goes according to plan. |
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Jul 26 2014 | Cole (lat) will throw an additional rehab outing following his scheduled start Monday for Triple-A Indianapolis, Jenn Menendez of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. | Cole will likely approach the 80-85 pitch range Monday, but the Pirates want to allow him an additional rehab start, where he'll aim for roughly 100 throws. If all goes exactly as planned, Cole could be eligible to rejoin the Pirates rotation as early as August 6. |
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Jul 25 2014 | Cole (back) will shoot for 80-85 pitches in his rehab start Monday at Triple-A Indianapolis, Jenn Menendez of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. | Previous reports pointed to a minimum of 60 pitches for Cole, but a heavier workload (as outlined by Bucs manager Clint Hurdle) might enable Cole to return after one rehab start if everything goes well Monday. Nevertheless, he's making gradual progress toward an activation in August. |
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Jul 24 2014 | Cole (lat) will start for Triple-A Indianapolis on Monday and then throw a bullpen session Wednesday. | Speaking on the Pirates' post-game radio show Wednesday, pitching coach Ray Searage announced that Cole will throw a minimum of 60 pitches Monday. Searage said that he likely made a mistake rushing Cole back into the rotation several weeks ago and that the team will be careful to make sure Cole's command is pinpoint before starting him in the big leagues again. |
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Jul 23 2014 | Cole (lat) threw approximately 70 pitches in a simulated game Wednesday and said it went well, Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. | Cole was originally slated to throw only 50-60 pitches, but he ended up throwing close to 70 and relayed afterward that he was feeling good. The next step for the right-hander is to be determined, but manager Clint Hurdle said earlier this month that Cole's rehab program would almost certainly include a minor league start this time around. |
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Jul 21 2014 | Cole (lat) is scheduled to throw 50-60 pitches in a simulated game Wednesday, Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune Review reports. | Cole emerged from a bullpen session unscathed Sunday, and will proceed to face live hitters as the next step in his recovery. Should all go well, Cole could be cleared to begin a rehab assignment, although the Pirates will likely continue to take a cautious approach. |
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Jul 20 2014 | Cole (back) completed a side session without incident Sunday. The Pirates will wait until Monday to see how the righty feels before deciding upon his next step, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. | He's slated to next throw another bullpen session or simulated game. Either way, Cole won't return to the rotation in the coming week. |
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Jul 18 2014 | Cole (back) threw 30 pitches off a mound Wednesday and said it went well, Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. "I'm not grinding through anything," Cole said. "I got no pain, so it's good." | Cole incorporated changeups in the session and is expected to throw another full bullpen in a couple days. The right-hander added that he feels healthy and that "it's about getting back into shape at this point." His words and progress are certainly encouraging, but the Pirates have stressed that they will be especially cautious with Cole this time around. |
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Jul 13 2014 | Cole (lat strain) will throw a 20-25 pitch side session of fastballs and changeups Thursday before deciding what to do next, Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune reports. | It has been determined that Cole will not return off the disabled list when first eligible July 20. A side session is progress for the young ace, and the results of the session will determine what he does next on his road to recovery. |
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Jul 11 2014 | Cole (lat strain) will not be ready to return to the Pirates' rotation when he's first eligible to be activated July 20, Travis Sawchik of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. | The announcement isn't much of a surprise, instead confirming previous estimates that the Pirates are going to ease their young right-hander along slowly through his rehab from the injury. A late-July return appears to be a best-case scenario, but there's no clear timetable for Cole's return at the present time. |
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Jul 10 2014 | Cole (lat strain) made a few throws from flat ground during Thursday's pre-game warmups, Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune reports. | Cole's workout wasn't particularly intensive, but the fact that he was out on the field throwing is a good sign, as there hasn't been much information available regarding his rehab of late. He also remains without a timeline for throwing from a mound, which would likely be the next step in his recovery. The future ace looks to be quite some time away from facing live hitters, and fantasy owners are still clinging on to hope that they'll be able to use the 23-year-old in the final months of the season. Cole hasn't pitched since July 4 due to a lat strain, and is currently on the DL for the second time this season. |
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Jul 7 2014 | Cole (lat) has been placed on the 15-day disabled list, and he will be replaced in the starting rotation by Brandon Cumpton, Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. | Cumpton will start Wednesday' game in St. Louis, while Cole will be eligible to return from the disabled list July 20. It's thus possible that Cole will miss just one start, with the All-Star break coming up this weekend. That said, the Pirates haven't mentioned any kind of timetable, and Cole said he had nothing to offer when asked about the injury Monday afternoon. |
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Jul 6 2014 | Cole (oblique) is "feeling good," and will throw a side session Monday, which will be his "final test," Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. | Cole left Friday's start early due to soreness in his right side, but he appears to be on track to make his next scheduled start. As long as the 23-year-old makes it through Monday's side session free of complications, look for Cole to take the hill Wednesday against the Cardinals. The righty pitched five scoreless innings Friday against the Phillies before his early exit, showing signs of regaining his early-season form. |
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Jul 4 2014 | Cole, who went five innings without allowing a run, picked up a win despite leaving Friday's game after those five innings with right lat soreness. | The injury cut short what looked destined to be Cole's first quality start since May 29, as he had given up just one hit and one walk in five frames prior to exiting. The severity of this issue is uncertain, but Cole's next start would certainly appear in jeopardy, and DL stint can't be ruled out until more information is made available. |
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Jul 4 2014 | Cole left Friday's game after five innings with right lat soreness. | The injury cut short what looked destined to be Cole's first quality start since May 29, as he had given up just one hit and one walk in five frames prior to exiting. The severity of this issue is uncertain, but Cole's next start would certainly appear in jeopardy, and DL stint can't be ruled out until more information is made available. |
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Jun 28 2014 | Cole (shoulder) was officially activated and will start Saturday against the Mets, Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. | Right shoulder fatigue cost Cole most of June, but he'll return Saturday to oppose left-hander Jon Niese. Cole threw 84 pitches in a simulated game Monday and is unlikely to have any major restrictions upon his return, though he probably won't go far beyond the 100-pitch mark. Brandon Cumpton was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis in the corresponding move. |
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Jun 25 2014 | Cole (shoulder) will return from the disabled list to start Saturday against the Mets, Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. | Cole convinced the Pirates his shoulder was no longer an issue by throwing a six-inning simulated game Monday, and after taking the next few days to rest, he doesn't figure to see any limitations in his first start since June 3. Though manager Clint Hurdle confirmed Cole's return to the rotation, he didn't say which current starter would be bumped to the bullpen or the minors as a result. Jeff Locke, Vance Worley or Brandon Cumpton would seem most at risk of losing their rotation spots. |
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Jun 23 2014 | Cole (shoulder) threw 84 pitches in a six-inning simulated game Monday afternoon, Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. | Cole hasn't pitched since June 3 due to right shoulder fatigue, but looks to be nearing a return. The Pirates don't appear to be planning a rehab assignment for him, and could activate him as early as June 28. Provided he doesn't experience any discomfort Tuesday as a result of the sim game, Cole could possibly take the hill for the Pirates on either Saturday or Sunday. His return will likely bump Jeff Locke or Vance Worley out of the starting rotation. |
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Jun 19 2014 | Cole (shoulder) will throw another simulated game Monday and could return to the rotation by June 28, Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. | Manager Clint Hurdle said last week that Cole could return "a few days" after he became eligible for activation, but he's now set June 28 as an earliest possible date for the right-hander to toe the major league rubber. No issues were reported during Cole's simulated outing Wednesday, but clearly he did not show enough to warrant the green light from the training staff. |
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Jun 15 2014 | Cole (shoulder) threw a 34-pitch bullpen session on Sunday that went well according to the Pirates' ace, Travis Sawchik of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. | Cole is first eligible to return from the disabled list on June 24, a date that still seems plausible given Cole's current stage of the rehab. The young hurler's next step in his recovery is a simulated game in Pittsburgh before possibly returning to the rotation assuming everything goes as planned. |
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Jun 14 2014 | If all goes well for Cole (shoulder) in his side session Sunday, his next step will be to throw a simulated game, Travis Sawchik of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. | There was some speculation that Cole could return next Thursday against the Reds after spending the minimum amount of time on the DL, but manager Clint Hurdle said Saturday that will not happen. Cole will instead need to complete a simulated game before starting for the major league club, so a return next week seems highly unlikely. |
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Jun 14 2014 | Cole (shoulder) is slated to throw a simulated game this coming Wednesday, Travis Sawchik of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. | Cole is eligible for activation from the disabled list Thursday, but manager Clint Hurdle stated that the right-hander could return to the Pirates' rotation "a few days" after that. Thus, he may be available to owners next weekend, but the final full week of June appears to be far more likely. |
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Jun 13 2014 | Cole (shoulder) is scheduled to throw a side session Sunday, Travis Sawchik of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. | Cole hit the DL with shoulder fatigue less than a week ago, but he's already thrown one bullpen session and will get more mound work in Sunday. Manager Clint Hurdle described it as "big day" for Cole, who will likely be penciled in to start next Thursday against the Reds if he makes it through the session without incident. |
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Jun 12 2014 | Cole (shoulder) threw a 20-pitch bullpen session Thursday, Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. | Cole was limited to throwing fastballs during the session and didn't offer up much afterward, saying only that it went "fine." Regardless, Cole is back on a mound after moving quickly through his long-toss program, likely putting him on track to be ready to return when first eligible June 19. |
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Jun 11 2014 | Cole (shoulder) played catch on flat ground from 90 feet out Wednesday, Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. | The Pirates have been aggressive in advancing Cole through his long-toss program, and now have a bullpen scheduled for the right-hander for Friday. Cole hit the DL late last week with shoulder fatigue, but he appears on track to return after the minimum amount of time required by his stint, and would thus end up missing just two turns through the rotation. |
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Jun 11 2014 | Cole (shoulder) threw long toss from 60 feet Wednesday, Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. | With Cole steadily increasing his throwing from flat ground just a couple days after landing on the disabled list, it's looking likely he'll only have to miss the minimum 15 days at this point. He could be cleared to resume throwing off a mound before the weekend is out, but it doesn't look as though a rehab assignment will be necessary. |
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Jun 9 2014 | Cole (shoulder) threw 25 pitches from flat ground Monday, Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. | Though Cole was placed on the disabled list Sunday, the fact that he's throwing already suggests he might only be forced to miss two turns before he's eligible to return June 19. The team will wait and see how he progresses through bullpen sessions and facing hitters before offering confirmation on an expected return date for the talented right-hander. |
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Jun 9 2014 | Cole (shoulder) could only miss two starts as a result of his trip to the DL, Travis Sawchik of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. | Cole hit the DL Sunday retroactively to June 4, and if this report holds true, he would miss both Monday's scheduled start against the Cubs, as well as Saturday's against the Marlins. He's eligible to come off the DL June 19, and if his right shoulder fatigue clears up by then, his next turn through the rotation would land against the Cubs June 20. This would be the best-case scenario for fantasy owners, as the Pirates' ace owned a 6-3 record, to go along with a 3.64 ERA and 69:25 K:BB ratio over 76.2 innings prior to hitting the DL. However, the Pirates are merely "hoping" this is the case, so nothing is set in stone quite yet. |
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Jun 8 2014 | Cole (shoulder) was placed on the disabled list on Sunday with right shoulder fatigue. | Cole's placement to the disabled list isn't a major surprise, as he was expected to miss multiple starts anyway. The move is retroactive to June 4, so he will first be eligible to come off the disabled list on June 19. The young ace's move also allowed the Pirates to call up Jeff Locke, who will pitch against the Brewers on Sunday. |
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Jun 7 2014 | Cole will miss Monday's scheduled start against the Cubs due to shoulder fatigue, and he may end up on the disabled list, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review's Travis Sawchik reports. | No injury was previously reported, but Cole will miss one start at the very least. He doesn't have a notable history of shoulder issues, and has generally stayed healthy since being selected first overall in the 2011 draft. Jeff Locke will be called up to start Monday's game against the Cubs. |
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May 30 2014 | Cole (5-3) limited the Dodgers to three earned runs in 6.1 innings Thursday, allowing six hits and two walks while striking out three. | The righty pitched at least six innings for the ninth time in 11 starts, and his 88-pitch outing was the fewest number of pitches he's yet thrown. The three strikeouts represent a season low, but he didn't give up a dinger fourth time in 11 appearances. Cole is having trouble later in games in 2014: Opponents hold a .395 OBP from pitch 51-75. Last year, he limited batters to a .282 OBP in similar circumstances. |
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May 24 2014 | Cole struck out seven batters and gave up two runs on five hits and three walks over six innings Saturday against the Nationals. | Cole didn't allow too many base runners and threw a respectable 69-of-112 pitches (61.6 percent) for strikes, but the Nationals still got his pitch count up early, and the young right-hander didn't take a decision. While he's yet to have a truly dominant outing this season, Cole has been remarkably consistent, and will carry a 4-3 record, 3.76 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 60:21 K:BB ratio into Thursday's scheduled road start against the Dodgers. |
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May 19 2014 | Cole (4-3) recorded the win in the second game of Sunday's doubleheader with the Yankees, surrendering three runs over six innings while striking out eight. | Through nine starts on the season, Cole hasn't quite had the breakout many were projecting for him heading into fantasy drafts, but he's been plenty serviceable in posting a 3.84 ERA and 53 strikeouts over 58.2 innings. Limiting home runs has been the biggest issue for Cole thus far, as he's already given up seven, matching his total from all 19 starts he made with the Pirates in 2013. |
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May 13 2014 | Cole gave up three earned runs on seven hits and three walks with six strikeouts in 5.2 innings, picking up the loss Tuesday against the Brewers. | For the second time in his last three starts, Cole failed to pitch six innings, due mostly to racking up a high pitch count (105 pitches Tuesday). On the bright side, this was just his third start of the season in which he did not give up a home run, but he has also given up five-plus hits in all eight of his starts, and has so far failed to truly develop into the ace many thought he would become in his second season. He'll make his next start Sunday in Yankee Stadium. |
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May 7 2014 | Cole fanned seven and walked one while giving up three runs on seven hits over eight innings to earn his third win of the season Wednesday in a victory over the Giants. | The seven strikeouts were Cole's second-highest total of the season (he had 10 against the Cubs on April 10th). The Pirates have a pair of off-days before Cole will make his next start May 14 at Miller Park against the Brewers, which will prevent him from having a two-start week in weekly formats. |
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May 2 2014 | Cole allowed four runs on seven hits, walking one ans striking out six over five innings of a no-decision against the Blue Jays on Friday night. | It was a rather lackluster outing for the young fireballer as he needed 95 pitches (only 57 for strikes) to cover the five frames. This comes behind two exceptionally strong performances where he allowed just two runs over 15 innings, so he will try to get back on track next time out at home against the Cardinals. |
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Apr 25 2014 | Cole turned in seven solid frames versus the Cardinals Friday night, allowing just one run on six hits with four strikeouts in a losing effort. | Cole makes it back-to-back strong performances, as the talented young hurler has given up just two earned runs over his last 15 innings. Surprisingly, neither outing has resulted in a win, but that should take nothing away from his steady work. Cole may not quite be living up to the extreme hype thrown his way during the preseason just yet, however the results are tough to argue over. The 23 year old is sporting a 3.18 ERA across 34 innings to this point. |
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Apr 15 2014 | Cole surrendered five earned runs on nine hits and three walks in six innings Tuesday against Cincinnati. He struck out three batters. | Cole didn't have his best stuff, allowing two home runs, including one to his mound opponent, Mike Leake. Pittsburgh likely stayed with the righty, who threw 62 of his 98 pitches for strikes, longer than it would with a struggling starter because of an over-taxed bullpen. The loss snapped a six-game, regular-season, winning streak for the talented 23-year-old. |
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Apr 10 2014 | Cole struck out 10 batters, but was charged with four runs (three earned) over six innings Thursday against the Cubs. He allowed five hits and two walks. | It was the fourth inning that really hurt Cole in this one, as he allowed all three of his earned runs in that frame. He came a bit undone after allowing hits to three of the first four batters in the inning, throwing a run-scoring wild pitch and hitting a batter. Still, he was able to settle down and deliver a line that won't leave his fantasy owners hurting. |
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Apr 4 2014 | Cole was masterful, allowing just two runs on six hits, walking two and striking out three over seven innings of a 12-2 win over St. Louis on Friday night. | It was billed as a showdown between two of the National League brightest young pitchers, but it didn't turn out that way as the Pirates beat up on Shelby Miller while Cole coasted to an impressive win. The former number one pick, Cole was in control, allowing just a two-run home run to Matt Carpenter as the only damage done. He'll try to build on this first 2014 start with a favorable match-up against the Cubs in Chicago in his next scheduled start. |
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Mar 24 2014 | Cole will make his season debut April 4 against the Cardinals, according to the Pirates' website. | Pittsburgh decided against throwing Cole in the first series against the Cubs, to the likely dismay of Cole fantasy owners. Cole, who gave up three homers and six runs in 6.1 innings Sunday, will instead throw the first Friday of the season. The righthander last saw St. Louis in the NLDS, beating the Cardinals at PNC Park and allowing two earned runs in 11 postseason innings. |
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Mar 12 2014 | Cole limited the Twins to one unearned run in three innings Wednesday. He gave up three hits and a walk while striking out three batters. | Cole has done nothing to tamper down expectations of a strong 2014. He remains on course to start the Pirates' second game of the season. His spring fastball sat between 92-96 mph and reached 97 mph in a "B" game start a week ago. |
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Mar 7 2014 | Cole allowed two runs on two hits and a walk in three innings of a "B" game against Minnesota on Friday. He also struck out four batters. | Cole whiffed phenom, Byron Buxton twice, but didn't have his best fastball command. He allowed some well struck balls, including a double and a wind-aided, opposite-field homer. The pressure will be on Cole in 2014, as the team expects to count on him as a No. 2 starter for the full season. |
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Mar 6 2014 | Cole's second spring training start was pushed back to Friday due to a rain out on Thursday. | Cole is coming off of a rocky first start in spring training, giving up three hits and two runs in two innings of work. He will have to wait another day to right the ship. |
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Mar 1 2014 | Cole allowed two runs on three hits in two innings Friday in his Grapefruit League debut. "Work fast, keep balls down in the zone, and build arm strength," Cole told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "Hopefully that feel (for pitches) comes back by April." | The second-year hurler rebounded from a shaky first inning with a perfect 1-2-3 showing in the second. Cole is already using his full complement of pitches and figures to start the second game of the season for Pittsburgh. |
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Oct 8 2013 | Cole, who will start Game 5 of the NLDS on Wednesday, registered the highest fastball speed (96.1 mph) of any pitcher with at least 110 innings pitched in 2013. | Cole allowed four earned runs in just one of his 19 regular-season starts. He knocked off the Cardinals in St. Louis on Friday, giving up one run on two hits and a walk in six frames. He struck out five. Matching up against Adam Wainwright is a tall task, but many believe the Bucs made a wise decision going with Cole over AJ Burnett. |
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Oct 7 2013 | Cole will start Wednesday's Game 5 of the NLDS against the Cardinals, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Bill Brink reports. | Cole has a tall task ahead of him, as he'll head to St. Louis to take on Cy Young candidate Adam Wainwright in a do-or-die Game 5. A.J. Burnett was the other candidate to start for the Pirates, but Burnett was walloped for seven runs in a blowout Game 1 loss. |
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Oct 4 2013 | Cole limited the Cardinals to one run on two hits and a walk in six strong innings Friday in St. Louis. | He struck out five batters, throwing 56 of 86 pitches for strikes, and allowed only a solo Yadier Molina home run. Cole has won his last five starts and could start Game 5 instead of an ineffective AJ Burnett (at Busch Stadium). The right-handed rookie continues to climb 2014 fantasy charts with his strong showings. |
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Oct 3 2013 | The Pirates have confirmed Cole as the team's Friday starter against St. Louis, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. | He threw a bullpen immediately following the Bucs' win over Cincinnati on Tuesday. Cole hasn't pitched since Sept. 24, when he limited the Cubs to two runs in six innings and 94 pitches. Cole has shown few signs of slowing down -- he's won four straight starts -- despite throwing 185.1 IP in 2013, more than 50 innings greater than his 2012 total (132). Cole has yet to face the Cardinals in 19 big-league starts. |
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Oct 2 2013 | Cole is expected to get the starting nod for Game 2 of the NLDS series with the Cardinals, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. | Manager Clint Hurdle hasn't officially named a starter for Game 2, but after Cole threw a scheduled bullpen session Tuesday night, it seems apparent he'll be the man on the mound that night. Cole may have been the Pirates' best pitcher down the stretch, posting a 1.69 ERA and striking out 39 batters over 32 September innings. |
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Sep 28 2013 | Cole is no longer scheduled to start Sunday's game against the Reds, Michael Sanserino of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. | The Pirates took the first two games of this weekend's series against Cincinnati, and thus locked up home-field advantage for Tuesday's wild card play-in game against the Reds. Cole will be afforded a bit of extra rest, as Brandon Cumpton steps in for the spot start. |
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Sep 27 2013 | Cole will only make his scheduled start Sunday if the Pirates split their first two games of a weekend series against the Reds. | Manager Clint Hurdle said before Friday's game that he would hold Cole back as part of a backup plan for Tuesday's play-in game if the homefield wildcard advantage is decided prior to Sunday. In other words, if the Bucs win the series' first two games (or lose them both), then Cole won't go Sunday. |
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Sep 25 2013 | Cole (10-7) delivered the goods again Tuesday, striking out six Cubs and allowing two runs on seven hits in six innings. | He's built a terrific head of steam as the Pirates head toward the playoffs, ripping off an impressive eight consecutive quality starts while significantly improving his strikeout rate. He's now punched out 39 hitters in 32 September innings. |
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Sep 19 2013 | Cole (9-7) struck out a dozen Padres in six innings Thursday, allowing just a run on four hits and three walks in a 10-1 romp. | Not much of a strikeout artist in the minors or in his early exposure to the majors, 2011's No. 1 overall pick has seen the light go on lately, as he's now whiffed 65 batters (while walking just 17) in 62.2 innings dating back to July 28. Sure, he hasn't faced a lot of quality offenses, but as a National League pitcher, he's not gonna have to very often. |
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Sep 14 2013 | Cole allowed one run over seven innings and was the winning pitcher Saturday against the Cubs. | He gave up five hits while walking three and striking out seven. Cole has been very impressive over his last four starts, allowing just four earned runs over 27 innings while recording 28 strikeouts. He now owns a strong 3.333 ERA on the season to accompany his 8-7 record. |
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Sep 9 2013 | Cole threw seven shutout innings Monday against the Rangers, allowing three hits and two walks while striking out a career-high nine batters. | He totaled 92 pitches (64 for strikes) and kept batters at bay with the best breaking pitches he's shown at the major league level. Cole compiled 132 innings in 2012 and now has 166.1 IP in 2013, but the Pirates rely more on total pitches thrown than anything else. It's hard seeing the Pirates take Cole out of the rotation anytime soon with the way he's pitching right now, though stranger things have happened. |
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Sep 3 2013 | Cole gave up two earned runs on five hits and a walk with five strikeouts in six innings against the Brewers on Tuesday. | That's four quality starts in a row for Cole, and after allowing 10 hits in each of his last two outings, he was able to cut that total in half on Tuesday. He hasn't been spectacular, but he's been solid in terms of ERA and WHIP ever since getting called up. Unfortunately, despite pitching on a winning team, he only has two wins in his last 11 starts. He will face a tough test Monday, when he's scheduled to pitch in Texas. |
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Sep 1 2013 | Cole is expected to make his next scheduled start Tuesday against the Brewers, Tom Singer of MLB.com reports. | The Pirates haven't officially listed the rookie in that spot on the schedule, but it's their intent to do so and keep him on a regular five-day plan for his starts. |
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Aug 29 2013 | Cole took the loss against Milwaukee on Thursday, giving up four runs -- three earned -- and 10 hits over 7.1 innings. He walked one and struck out four, tossing 96 pitches. | Cole allowed a lot of baserunners, but still made a quality start. The rookie righthander had seven days in between starts, so it's slightly disappointing that he didn't perform better. He'll look to avenge the loss next week when he faces the Brewers again. |
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Aug 24 2013 | Cole will make his next start Thursday at PNC Park against the Brewers. | The Bucs will give their rookie starter a full seven days off between starts. Cole beat the Brewers in June, throwing six innings of three-run ball in a 10-3 victory. He looked visibly frustrated at times during his last start -- a loss in San Diego -- but should have a better go of things against Milwaukee. |
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Aug 24 2013 | Cole's next start will be pushed back to Thursday against Milwaukee, Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. | There's been no word of an injury to Cole, but it seems the Pirates will carefully manage the 22-year-old's workload over the remainder of the season. Between the majors and Triple-A, Cole has tossed 146 innings this year, which is 14 more than he tossed in all of 2012. |
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Aug 21 2013 | Cole gave up two earned runs on a whopping 10 hits in six innings against San Diego. | Not a terrible start, but an odd one at least, as he was seemingly getting knocked around all night, but avoided any serious damage. Cole now sits at 6-6 with a 3.81 ERA, and he will toe the mound against Milwaukee in his next start. |
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Aug 16 2013 | Cole allowed two runs on five hits, walking two and striking out five over six innings of a 6-2 win against Arizona on Friday night. | After a couple of lackluster performances, Cole put together a solid start in this one. The Pirates didn't overextend him (he threw 98 pitches, 63 for strikes), and while there has been no indication that he will be shut down before the year ends, they will probably attempt to keep his workload in check moving into the season's final stages. |
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Aug 15 2013 | Cole, who will start Friday against Arizona, has already thrown two more innings (134) in 2013 than he did last season (132). | Pirates GM Neal Huntington has stated that he doesn't intend to shut Cole down at any point, but a move to the bullpen could happen in September. Cole has pitched fairly well for Pittsburgh, compiling a 3.95 ERA and 1.14 WHIP in 66 innings, though the lack of a wipeout pitch has hindered his efforts at times. A move to the pen would significantly reduce his fantasy value, as he likely wouldn't be in line for any saves. |
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Aug 15 2013 | Cole, who will start Friday against Arizona, has already thrown two more innings (134 IP) in 2013 than he did last season (132). | Pirates GM Neal Huntington has stated that he doesn't intend to shut Cole down at any point, but a move to the bullpen could happen in September. Cole has pitched fairly well for Pittsburgh, compiling a 3.95 ERA and 1.14 WHIP in 66 innings, though the lack of a wipeout pitch has hindered his efforts at times. A move to the pen would likely reduce his fantasy value. |
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Aug 11 2013 | Cole's next start will be pushed back to Friday against the Diamondbacks, Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. | An off-day Monday will provide the Pirates an opportunity to get Cole some extra rest heading into the stretch run. The 22-year-old has looked a bit gassed of late, with seven runs allowed in his last 10.1 innings of work. |
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Aug 8 2013 | Cole allowed four runs on six hits over five innings Thursday against Miami, striking out four and walking one. | He avoided a loss thanks to a rally by the Pittsburgh offense, but it continues to be of some concern that Cole hasn't been able to pitch deep into games very often -- in 11 starts, he's now failed to complete six innings five times. |
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Aug 4 2013 | Pirates general manager Neal Huntington said Cole will pitch through September, but may have starts modified to limit innings, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. | Cole should remain in the rotation as usual, but the Pirates may use some tactics to keep him fresh for a potential playoff run. Those include an extra day of rest, pulling him early occasionally, or skipping a start. It should not drastically affect his value, but it will make it worth watching news wires to make sure he is starting on schedule. |
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Aug 2 2013 | Cole allowed three runs on three hits, walking three and striking out six over 5.1 innings of a 4-2 loss to Colorado on Friday night. | After putting two men on with only one out in the sixth, Cole was removed from the game, and both runners came around to score, some what tarnishing his outing. Still, he has not allowed more than three runs in any of his 10 starts, and maintains a respectable 3.69 ERA. The former number one overall draft pick certainly has the ceiling to do even better as he establishes himself in the show. |
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Jul 28 2013 | Cole allowed three earned runs in seven innings Sunday, giving up four hits and two walks while striking out a career-high seven batters. | The Pirates staked Cole to a second-inning, two-run lead, but the rookie permitted a double and later, a game-deciding dinger to Giancarlo Stanton. He still hasn't yielded more than three runs in any of his nine starts and his 3.56 ERA and 1.13 WHIP likely helps most fantasy teams. |
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Jul 13 2013 | Cole will start Sunday against the Mets in place of Jeff Locke (back), Michael Sanserino of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. | Tuesday's start was supposed to be Cole's final outing before the All-Star break, but the injury to Locke will force Cole back onto the bump. It shouldn't be a problem, however, because Cole will be on regular rest thanks to the off-day Thursday. |
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Jul 10 2013 | Cole (4-2) took the loss despite pitching seven solid innings Tuesday against Oakland, allowing two runs on five hits and a pair of walks. He struck out two. | The only blemish on Cole's record was a two-run homer by Brandon Moss, but that was enough. Nonetheless, despite a lack of strikeouts, it's hard to complain about Cole's first six starts in the big leagues, as he hasn't allowed more than three runs in a game yet. |
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Jul 5 2013 | Cole will remain in the Pirates' rotation when A.J. Burnett (calf) return, Michael Sanserino of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. | The 22-year-old has more than held his own in the majors thus far, and while it was generally assumed that Cole wasn't going anywhere, the Pirates later confirmed that he will indeed stay in the rotation. Jeanmar Gomez has been moved to the bullpen in anticipation of Burnett's return Sunday. |
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Jul 4 2013 | Cole was saddled with his first loss of the season Thursday against the Phillies after giving up three runs on eight hits and a walk over 5.1 innings. He struck out five batters. | It was actually somewhat of a back-door loss for Cole, as he exited with a 2-1 lead and two runners on base when Vin Mazzaro came on in relief and gave up three straight singles to allow both runners to score. The rookie is scheduled to make his next turn Tuesday against the Athletics. |
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Jul 2 2013 | Cole is scheduled to start Thursday against the Phillies, the Pittsburgh Tribune reports. | Cole has had his rotation status up in the air of late with the return of some starters to the Pirates' rotation. With Wandy Rodriguez now out for a few more weeks and Jeanmar Gomez being assigned to the bullpen, Cole will continue to work as a starter and extend his four-game win streak to begin his MLB career. |
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Jul 1 2013 | Cole has a better chance of sticking in the Pirates' rotation, given the uncertainty surrounding fellow starter Wandy Rodriguez. | With Jeff Locke scratched from his Tuesday start after warming up in Pittsburgh's 14-inning game Sunday, the Bucs are looking for additional starters, not subtracting from them. Much has been made about the team potentially sending Cole back to Triple-A to help him avoid becoming a Super Two player, but with the Bucs fighting for a postseason spot after 20-straight losing seasons, they'll likely do whatever it takes to stay in contention. Cole has won his first four starts in the majors. |
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Jun 28 2013 | Cole allowed three runs on eight hits, walking three and striking out three over six innings of a 10-3 win over Milwaukee on Friday night. | It wasn't a particularly sharp outing, especially in the first innings when the Brewers tallied all three of their runs. Now 4-0 with an acceptable 3.70 ERA on the year, it was encouraging to see him settle in after the rough first inning, and give his team a chance to put the offense in high gear. Cole has tremendous upside, but he is still learning to work in his secondary pitches, which could be problematic as hitters become more familiar with his stuff. |
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Jun 23 2013 | Cole (thigh) will make his next start Friday at home against Milwaukee, GM Neal Huntington said during his weekly radio show Sunday afternoon. | Huntington also said the team could send Cole back to Triple-A at some point to ensure the team has depth in the starting rotation with "six, seven, eight quality starters we feel good about in July, in August, in September and again, in October." Huntington listed five starters ahead of Cole. "Burnett, Wandy, Liriano, Locke, and with Morton giving us legitimate chances to win every fifth day, then it may make business sense to send Gerrit Cole back, so you've got a sixth quality starter ready to go in case of an injury," Huntington said. "It won't be because of Super 2 status, but because of our best starting depth results in Gerrit going back." It might be difficult to understand Huntington's logic, but in the end, it sounds as though Cole may go back to Triple-A for a bit when and if the Bucs' starting rotation is healthy. |
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Jun 22 2013 | Cole improved to 3-0 after he gave up just two runs on four hits and a walk with five strikeouts over 6.1 innings against the Angels on Friday. | The pitchign line doesn;t even do Cole's performance justice as it only tells half the story. The other half can be found in the first three innings where he threw 38 pitches with four being clocked at 100 mph and two at 101. His slider hung around 92 mph for the night while his fastball consistently stayed above 95, keeping the Angels hitters off-balance for most of the night. He had retired 11 straight at one point before hanging a pitch that Albert Pujols launched into the seats for the first home run against Cole in his short big league tenure. He's now bested three Cy Young winners in his first three starts and will look to make it four in a row when he squares off against Felix Hernandez in Seattle next week. |
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Jun 12 2013 | Cole has been announced as the starter for Sunday's game against the Dodgers, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. | The Pirates did not originally commit to more than one start in the majors for Cole, but following his impressive debut Tuesday, in which he gave up just two earned runs over 6.1 innings, he will remain in the rotation for another turn. Cole's status beyond this weekend remains uncertain, but if he keeps pitching as his talent suggests he can, he could force his way into the rotation long term. |
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Jun 11 2013 | Cole gave up two earned runs on seven hits with no walks and two strikeouts in 6.1 innings, getting the win in his major league debut Tuesday against the Giants. | Considered by many as a top-10 prospect in all of baseball, and certainly one of the top pitching prospects in the game, the former No. 1 overall pick started the game by striking out Gregor Blanco on a 99 mph heater to an eruption from the home crowd, which was only topped when Cole broke a 0-0 tie with a two-RBI single in the second inning. He threw primarily two pitches, his four-seam fastball (64 times, sitting at 97 mph and topping out at 100 mph) and his slider (14 times), while using his changeup just twice. One knock on Cole has been his inability to miss as many bats as his impressive stuff would dictate, due to the lack of life on his fastball, and his reluctance to use his off-speed stuff, and this was the case Tuesday, as the Giants hitters whiffed just eight times against Cole, leading to his two strikeouts. Still, just based on pure upside, Cole should be owned in most formats until he proves he shouldn't be, and he'll have quite a showdown in his next start, Sunday at home against Clayton Kershaw and the Dodgers. |
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Jun 11 2013 | The Pirates called up Cole from Triple-A Indianapolis, and he will make his MLB debut against the Giants on Tuesday. | The move was obviously expected, as it's been talked about for over a week now. Cole was 5-3 over 12 games for Indianapolis, with a 2.91 ERA and a 47:28 K:BB ratio through 68 innings. If you haven't already heard, he's one of the top pitching prospects in baseball and should be added immediately, if you have a lazy league and he's still available. |
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Jun 8 2013 | Manager Clint Hurdle was non-committal when asked whether Cole might stay in the Pirates rotation after his Tuesday start. "I don't know, we will give him the opportunity to pitch Tuesday night and see where it takes us," Hurdle said. | "Super 2" arbitration is still in play and there's a chance Pittsburgh could send Cole down after his Tuesday start, regardless of performance, for a short time. For his part, Cole has pitched well recently for Triple-A Indy, with seven shutout innings in both of his last two starts and a 2.91 ERA and 1.05 WHIP in 68 innings overall. |
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Jun 8 2013 | Cole was officially named Tuesday's starter against the Giants, Michael Sanserino of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. | The Pirates were hesitant about bringing Cole up before his "Super 2" arbitration date, but it seems they decided it was time to throw in the towel and see what the 22-year-old can do at the major league level. In 12 starts for Triple-A Indianapolis this season, Cole posted a 2.91 ERA with a 47:28 K:BB over 68.0 innings. He'll oppose right-hander Tim Lincecum in his first career big-league start. |
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Jun 7 2013 | The Pirates have no listed starting pitcher for Tuesday, leading to speculation that Cole could make his major-league debut at home against the Giants. | Cole has pitched better for Triple-A Indy lately, and the likes of Charlie Morton and James McDonald have apparently been ruled out for Tuesday. Pittsburgh does not want to recall Cole prior to the "Super 2" arbitration date, which makes for an interesting decision on the Pirates' end. |
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Apr 11 2013 | Cole lasted just two innings in his second start of the season Wednesday due to a high pitch count, notes Baseball America. | Cole allowed four hits, one run, and walked two while striking out five. Cole has topped 30 pitches in three of the six innings he's thrown this season, which under Pirates' rules, requires a pitcher to be pulled prior to the next inning. Cole's command has been off early in 2013, and he's going to need to improve his efficiency before making his Major League debut. |
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Mar 18 2013 | The Pirates re-assigned Cole, who will likely start the 2013 with Triple-A Indianapolis, on Monday, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. | "Everybody's going to speculate why he's being sent out, and they're wrong," GM Neal Huntington said of Cole. "He's being sent out because, in our minds, he's not ready to compete and be successful at the major league level." The Pirates will likely recall Cole in June when the Super 2 arbitration date passes, provided the righty pitches well in the minors. |
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Mar 16 2013 | Cole limited Minnesota to one run in four innings Saturday, striking out four without walking a batter. | Although he's likely one of Pittsburgh's five best starters right now, the big righty is expected to pitch for Triple-A Indy until the Super 2 Arbitration date passes - sometime in June. He's thrown as well as any Pittsburgh hurler in spring training. |
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Mar 11 2013 | Cole collected his first spring training victory Sunday, throwing four innings of two-run ball against the Orioles. | Pittsburgh manager Clint Hurdle mentioned that the team would have some internal discussions Monday night about Cole. While it remains doubtful the promising righty starts 2013 in the big leagues, he's showing that he might be capable of making the jump right now. |
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Mar 6 2013 | Cole threw three shutout innings against Spain on Tuesday, striking out the first six batters he faced. | The competition was probably more Double-A than major league, but Cole gave Pittsburgh a glimpse of what he has to offer. The big righty is doing his best to impress management, but Pirates' GM Neal Huntington has said the righty will start the season in Triple-A. |
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Feb 27 2013 | Cole allowed one run on one hit and a walk in two innings Wednesday. | He was hitting 93-94 mph with ease on his fastball. Cole will almost surely start the season for Triple-A Indianapolis, with a possible recall sometime after May, provided he shows good command in the minors. |
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