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NL Central Notebook: Brewers reunite with K-Rod; Wainwright insists he's healthy

Steve Mitchell / USA TODAY Sports

Every Thursday, theScore's MLB editors will bring you a roundup of everything you need to know from around the division with the NL Central Notebook.

Chicago Cubs

Coach Manny. After a successful stint as a player-coach with Triple-A Iowa last season, the Cubs brought back Manny Ramirez as a hitting consultant. The 12-time All-Star admitted, however, he has no aspirations of ever managing.

Opening Day Lester. The Cubs biggest offseason acquisition is expected to be front and center at Wrigley Field on Opening Day. Manager Joe Maddon all but confirmed that Jon Lester will be on the mound April 5 to launch the 2015 season. 

Cincinnati Reds

No Homer. An already-thin pitching staff gets thinner as Homer Bailey won't be ready to start the season. The right-hander underwent surgery to repair a torn right flexor tendon in September and is expected to return to the rotation in mid-April

Latos laments. Former Reds pitcher Mat Latos suggested the team rushed him back from injury last season and that the clubhouse lacked leadership. 

Milwaukee Brewers

K-Rod's back. The Brewers opted to re-sign closer Francisco Rodriguez to a two-year deal rather than task Jonathan Broxton with finishing games. The 32-year-old recorded 44 saves for Milwaukee last season. 

Braun's thumb fixed. Ryan Braun doesn't believe he'll be limited this spring after undergoing offseason surgery to repair a nerve issue in his right thumb. The slugger managed just 19 home runs and slugged a career-low .453 in 135 games last season while struggling with the injury. 

Parting shot. Adam Lind is excited for a change of scenery after nine seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays. He told Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that he doubts his former team's medical staff did all they could to treat his broken foot last season.

Pittsburgh Pirates

In for the long haul. The Pirates appear ready and willing to pony up in order to keep Andrew McCutchen happy. The team is reportedly willing to go exceptional lengths to keep the outfielder around when his deal expires after the 2017 season, even if it means costing the team $25 million-plus in annual salary. 

Infield options. The middle-infield competition in Pittsburgh projects to be an intriguing race, with manager Clint Hurdle emphasizing that he's preparing Jung-ho Kang for a starting role. Having played primarily at shortstop in Korea, Kang is most likely going to challenge Neil Walker for time at second base. 

St. Louis Cardinals

Calling it a career. Former Cardinals infielder Mark Ellis announced his retirement Wednesday after 12 major-league seasons. The 37-year-old appeared in 73 games for St. Louis last season in his first and only year in the organization. 

Wainwright worries. Ace Adam Wainwright insists his abdominal exam is precautionary after the right-hander experienced soreness while working out. He was sent back to St. Louis for testing but expects to return to the team's spring training facility for the end of the week. 

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