Wednesday's Action:

Brewers 1 Reds 2

Astros 3 Marlins 5

Cardinals 7 Diamondbacks 2

Cubs 1 Braves 0

Pirates 4 Nationals 2

Standings:

News and Notes:

Astros:

• In a season where they have played above their head so far and expectations remain low, the Astros can still be expected to be sellers this summer.
• Aneury Rodriguez must be getting used to the trip between Houston and Oklahoma City. Rodriguez was immediately sent back to Triple-A after his start Tuesday night to make room for the returning Rhiner Cruz.

Cardinals:

• A cross up with reliever Mitchell Boggs in the ninth inning of Tuesday's game resulted in a bruised hand for catcher Yadier Molina.

Cubs:

• The Cubs victory yesterday was a tad unusual.
• They may not be the Rays just yet, but defensive strategies have had early positive returns for the team. Here's manager Dale Sveum's thoughts on the subject.
• Dale Sveum will return to Milwaukee this weekend and Matt Garza is scheduled to return to the mound as well against the Brewers.

Pirates:

• When your club is spurred to a possible hot streak by Rod Barajas you have definitely seen better days.

Reds:

• Yesterday's win over the Brewers was a milestone victory for manager Dusty Baker.

On Tap:

Today is a pretty slow day around the division.

The Brewers have a day off after losing two-of-three against the Reds before welcoming the Cubs to Miller Park for a series beginning tomorrow.

The Astros finished up a home stand yesterday and will begin a road trip starting tomorrow night in Pittsburgh.

The Cardinals also have a day off today. They return home and begin a series against the Braves tomorrow.

Continuing the trend, the Cubs also have an off day today. They start a weekend series at Miller Park tomorrow.

Hey, the Pirates actually play today! They wrap up their series against the Nationals with a game beginning tonight at 6:05 p.m. CDT. Kevin Correia (1-2) is scheduled to pitch for Pittsburgh. Steven Strausburg (2-0) will make the start for the Nats.

The Reds are off today before beginning a series against the Washington Nationals tomorrow night in Cincinnati.