NL Central Notebook: Braun struggling, Hurdle not worried about Melancon
Every Friday, 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
The wait is over. After beating up on minor-league pitching, top prospect Kris Bryant is on his way to the majors. The Cubs are reportedly preparing to bring the third baseman up Friday after collecting three home runs and 10 RBIs in seven games with Triple-A Iowa.
Soler eclipse. Jorge Soler took over Tuesday's game, single-handedly willing his team to a 7-6 win over the Reds. The 23-year-old hit a pair of home runs, made an incredible outfield assist and scored the winning run.
Injury woes. Third baseman Mike Olt is headed to the disabled list with a hairline fracture in his wrist, joining fellow infielder Tommy La Stella, who's battling inflammation in his rib cage. Right-hander Neil Ramirez might not be far behind as he's set to undergo an MRI on his right shoulder.
Cincinnati Reds
Crisis averted. Despite feeling lightheaded following a collision with Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro that saw him exit Tuesday's game, Brandon Phillips passed his concussion tests and was in the lineup the next day.
Big boost. The Reds are expected to get a pair of key pieces back in their lineup in the next few days. Right-hander Homer Bailey is set to make his season debut on Saturday following forearm surgery. Catcher Devin Mesoraco is also expected to join the team at some point next week after dealing with a sore left hip that's held him out for a pair of games.
Milwaukee Brewers
Hampered hammy. The health of Carlos Gomez continues to be an issue, as the two-time All-Star landed on the disabled list Thursday after an MRI revealed a tear in his hamstring. Gomez, who suffered the injury while running the bases Wednesday, will be replaced in center field by Gerardo Parra.
Power outage. After finishing 11th in the majors in home runs last season, the Brewers have struggled with the long ball out of the gate in 2015. Milwaukee ranks dead last in the majors with three home runs through its first nine games. Ryan Braun has failed to collect an extra-base hit though his first 27 at-bats.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Recovered star. Andrew McCutchen appeared no worse for wear in his return to the lineup following a one-game absence with a sore left knee. The slugger belted a home run Sunday and is hitting .308/.333/.538 with five RBIs since returning to action.
Closer concerns. Manger Clint Hurdle is sticking with Mark Melancon for the time being, though there are some discouraging warning signs surrounding the closer's slow start to the season. Melancon owns a 6.75 ERA through four appearances this season and his fastball velocity has dropped an average of almost four mph from 2014.
St. Louis Cardinals
Heavy hearts. The Cardinals held a pregame tribute for Oscar Taveras ahead of their home opener on Monday that produced an emotional response from a number of players. Pitcher Adam Wainwright said that watching the video caused him to be more choked up than he'd ever been on a baseball field.
Start me up: St. Louis's rotation looks every bit as formidable as it did on paper heading into the season. The fivesome of Wainwright, John Lackey, Lance Lynn, Carlos Martinez and Michael Wacha have posted a collective 2.19 ERA, the top mark in the National League and second best in all of baseball. Their 4.67 strikeout-to-walk rate ranks third.