Friday's Action:
Standings:
| W | L | GB | Last 10 | Streak | |
| Cardinals | 10 | 4 | - | 7-3 | W1 |
| Reds | 6 | 8 | 4.0 | 4-6 | W2 |
| Brewers | 6 | 8 | 4.0 | 4-6 | L2 |
| Pirates | 5 | 8 | 4.5 | 3-7 | L1 |
| Astros | 5 | 9 | 5.0 | 2-8 | L1 |
| Cubs | 3 | 11 | 7.0 | 2-8 | L6 |
News and Notes:
Astros:
- The Astros made team history during Wednesday's game against the Nationals by hitting three triples in one inning.
- They may not be offensive juggernauts long term, but they looked good in their series finale against the Nats. Time will tell if their offensive offense can keep it going.
- Jose Altuve is off to a hot start to the season leading some to question his spot in the batting order. It's early so it will be interesting to see if he continues to hit with authority and keep up his high SLG, OPS, and ISO numbers.
- Houston Astros and All-Star in the same sentence...
- Former Astros catcher, Ivan Rodriguez, has decided to call it quits.
- Jon Jay's shoulder injury may force the Cardinals to make a roster move. Jay isn't necessarily headed to the disabled list, however, as the Cards are playing the "wait and see game."
- Jay isn't the only Cardinal nursing an injury. Lance Berkman has been placed on the 15-day disabled list due to lingering issues with his strained calf. To replace Berkman on the active roster the Cardinals have recalled Skip Schumaker from his rehab stint at Triple-A Memphis.
- In his first MLB action of the season, after beginning the year rehabbing an injury suffered during Spring Training, Skip Schumaker was forced to leave Friday's game after crashing into the center field wall.
- The injury situation in St. Louis, unfortunately, hasen't have had an effect on their offense.
- All-Star ballots are out (already). Here are the Cardinals headliners.
- Kerry Wood has been placed on the 15-day disabled list due to right shoulder fatigue. The Cubs have brought up Scott Maine to replace him on the active roster.
- In other injury related news Ryan Dempster had an MRI on his right quad on Friday putting his scheduled start on Sunday in jeopardy. If he cannot make it the club will recall Randy Wells from Triple-A Iowa to make the start.
- Sure they may be 3-11 and dealing with injuries but their poor start could be a blessing in disguise. Also, despite the early losing, Manager Dale Sveum says morale remains high.
- Here is the All-Star Chicago Cubs ballot.
- Here is the Pirates All-Star ballot.
- Prospect Jameson Taillon continues his hot start to the season for Class-A+ Bradenton.
- A.J. Burnett is set to make his final rehab start, Jeff Karstens will get some rest, and Joel Hanrahan was well enough to participate in pre-game fielding drills according to a news round up from Pirates Prospects.
- Also from Pirates Prospects: Three reasons to trade Joel Hanrahan.
- They've faced some pretty decent pitching early this year, but the question still needs to be asked.
- Pirates pitchers don't question Manager Clint Hurdle.
- Favoritism exists in Pittsburgh.
- Ten thousand is a lot of wins.
- Manager Dusty Baker explains why Brandon Phillips remained out of the line-up for Friday's game.
- Facing his former team, Sean Marshall is happy to be a Red.
- Fourteen games... no, it's definitely not too early...
- Here are you potential All-Star Reds.
On Tap:
The Brewers and Rockies continue their weekend series on Saturday with a game at 6:10 p.m. CDT at Miller Park. Drew Pomeranz (0-1) will take the mound for the Rockies looking for his first win of the season. Chris Narveson was scheduled to make the start for the Crew before he was placed on the disabled list. Marco Estrada (0-0) will fill in and make the start for Milwaukee.
The Astros will send Kyle Weiland (0-2) to the mound to face Clayton Kershaw (0-0) and the Dodgers. Game time in Houston is 6:05 p.m. CDT.
The Cardinals and Pirates play game two in Pittsburgh at 6:05 p.m. CDT. Jake Westbrook (2-0) and Kevin Correia (1-0) both look to remain unbeaten on the young season.
The Cubs and Reds will meet at Wrigley Field in a game scheduled for 12:05 p.m. CDT. Paul Maholm (0-2) and Mike Leake (0-1) are both looking for their first win of the year.