The Pittsburgh Pirates have promoted right-handed pitcher Gerrit Cole to Indianapolis, according to Cory Giger of the Altoona Mirror. Cole previously would have been in line to make one more start this year with Altoona before the end of the season. The promotion allows him to join an Indianapolis rotation which will be headed to the playoffs. There should be plenty of room for Cole in that rotation, since guys like Jeff Locke and Kyle McPherson are expected to be promoted to the majors as September callups.
In 12 starts with Altoona, Cole posted a 2.90 ERA in 59 innings, with a 60:23 K/BB ratio. He started off slow, but in his last six starts he combined to allow five earned runs in 33 innings, with a 34:16 K/BB ratio. In his last two starts he struggled with control, walking ten in 11 innings.
Cole should remain on track to start the 2013 season in Triple-A, but this promotion should give him a good taste of the level, with some good experience in the post-season.
