NL Central notebook: Bryant continues to impress; McCutchen returns to action

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

Can't cut Kris. Cubs phenom Kris Bryant continues to torch pitchers this spring, homering for the ninth time this month on Tuesday. The 23-year-old is expected to see time in the outfield Thursday in an attempt to demonstrate his defensive versatility.

No promises. There are some mixed messages flying around the Cubs' clubhouse. After Javier Baez said he's a lock to make the team, manager Joe Maddon refuted those claims, saying that he has no idea where Baez got that information from. The 22-year-old is hitting just .128/.190/.205 with 14 strikeouts this spring.

Cincinnati Reds

No more nerd stats. Brandon Phillips isn't a supporter of on-base percentage. The 33-year-old, who's walked in just five percent of his plate appearances over the last three seasons, thinks the statistic is "messing up baseball."

Ace back. Johnny Cueto returned to camp following an extended leave to deal with a family issue in the Dominican Republic. The absence isn't expected to delay the start of the right-hander's season.

Milwaukee Brewers

Position change. The Brewers are experimenting with Gerardo Parra at first base this spring. While his debut went well, the two-time Gold Glove winner is hoping to remain in the outfield for the time being. 

Rotation shaping up. Mike Fiers is likely to grab the No. 4 spot in the rotation this season despite battling shoulder fatigue. The right-hander is set to pitch Thursday, keeping him on schedule to make his season debut April 10 against the Pirates.

Pittsburgh Pirates

New look. Andrew McCutchen returned from an 11-game absence with soreness earlier this week sporting a new haircut The outfielder chopped off his signature dreadlocks to raise money for charity. 

Focus switched. Neil Walker is no longer worrying about his contract situation and has his sights set on a productive year. The 29-year-old infielder, set to hit the open market at the end of the season, is coming off the best season of his six-year career. 

St. Louis Cardinals

Remembering Oscar. The Cardinals plan to pay tribute to Oscar Taveras by wearing a commemorative patch with the deceased outfielder's initials on the sleeve. The 22-year-old died in a car accident in the Dominican Republic in October.

On the mend. Lance Lynn showed no ill effects from a hip flexor injury that sidelined him earlier this month. The right-hander tossed four scoreless innings Monday while collecting three strikeouts against the Boston Red Sox.