NL Central Notebook: Kang shines in spring debut; winter slows Wrigley construction

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

North Side Problems. The unrelenting winter cold has delayed construction at Wrigley Field over the last few weeks, and Cubs president of business operations Crane Kenney said Monday the new right field bleachers won't be ready until at least early June.

Soler Power. Despite battling injuries throughout the first few years of his career, 23-year-old outfielder Jorge Soler declared himself "ready" to handle the rigors of an 162-game schedule in 2015. Soler hasn't appeared in more than 86 games in a season since signing with the Cubs in June 2012.

Cincinnati Reds

Shaky Iglesias. Cuban right-hander Raisel Iglesias stumbled in his Cactus League debut, allowing two unearned runs on one hit and two walks against the Cleveland Indians on Monday. Iglesias, who signed a seven-year, $32-million deal with the Reds in June, also uncorked two wild pitches while throwing just 13 of his 28 pitches for strikes.

Joey's coming. Though Reds manager Bryan Price wouldn't speculate as to when first baseman Joey Votto might make his spring debut, he doesn't expect the 31-year-old's absence from the lineup to be an extended one. A strained quadriceps limited Votto to just 62 games in 2014.

Milwaukee Brewers

Where's K-Rod? Francisco Rodriguez has yet to arrive at camp as a reported two-year deal between the Brewers and the five-time All-Star is still being finalized. Rodriguez, 33, will also have to obtain a work visa before he can report to spring training.

Holstered guns. Eager to emphasize command over velocity during the early part of spring training, the Brewers won't unpack their radar guns until March 15, according to assistant GM Gord Ash. "There will be scouts in the stands, and if we want to know (velocity), we can ask," he said.

Pittsburgh Pirates

Gung ho for Jung-ho. Korean import Jung-ho Kang shined in his Grapefruit League debut, blasting a solo shot off Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Marco Estrada in just his second at-bat of the spring. The 27-year-old also looked smooth at shortstop and drew praise from manager Clint Hurdle.

Harrison's fine. Third baseman Josh Harrison was lifted from Wednesday's contest in Bradenton, Fla., due to discomfort in his left ankle, but teammate Andrew McCutchen assured reporters after the game it's "nothing to worry about."

St. Louis Cardinals

Wainwright progressing. Adam Wainwright threw more than 30 pitches Monday in his first bullpen session since being diagnosed with an abdominal strain. The 33-year-old right-hander was pleased with his ability to locate his pitches and mentioned he's also making progress in the training room, as well.

Nostalgic Matheny. Manager Mike Matheny turned the clock back a bit Wednesday when he stepped behind the plate to catch a pair of bullpen sessions. "It was intimidating at first, but once you start throwing a couple (pitches), you realize he's great back there and he's going to give you the best he can," said pitcher Marco Gonzales.