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 a cause of concern for fantasy owners.