Tuesday's Action:
Standings:
| W | L | GB | Last 10 | Streak | |
| Cardinals | 15 | 8 | - | 6-4 | W1 |
| Reds | 11 | 11 | 3.5 | 7-3 | W2 |
| Brewers | 11 | 13 | 4.5 | 5-5 | L1 |
| Pirates | 10 | 13 | 5.0 | 5-5 | L1 |
| Astros | 10 | 14 | 5.5 | 5-5 | W2 |
| Cubs | 8 | 15 | 7.0 | 5-5 | L1 |
News and Notes:
Astros:
- Carlos Lee returned to the lineup last night after missing the previous three games because of a sprained ankle.
- What was initially thought to be shoulder bursitis turned out to be much more serious for Kyle Weiland. Weiland, who had surgery on Tuesday, will remain out indefinitely.
- Manager Brad Mills pulled his best Tony La Russa impersonation during last night's game against the Mets.
Cardinals:
- Speaking of TLR, the Cardinals will retire his number in a pregame ceremony on May 11.
- The Cards activated Allen Craig from the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday. Erik Komatsu has been designated for assignment to make room for Craig on the 25-man roster.
- Lance Berkman's injured left calf is improving but the Cardinals will remain cautious with him. Berkman is eligible to come off the disabled list on Friday but may need more time to fully recover.
- With Berkman still out and Craig returning expect to see the versatile Craig man first base until Berkman is able to return.
Cubs:
- Randy Wells could make an appearance in relief for the club before his future is determined with Ryan Dempster and Kerry Wood set to return from stints on the disabled list.
- When he does return Wood may not be thrown back into the set-up role. In an effort to ease him back into action the seventh inning may be where he finds himself making his first appearance off the disabled list.
Pirates:
- There is always a silver lining if one looks hard enough.
- The Pirates have recalled Jared Hughes from Triple-A. Hughes replaces Evan meek in the Pirates bullpen.
- Here he is again.
Reds:
- Unhappy with the first month of the season? Manager Dusty Baker provides hope for the disenchanted.
- The injured Miguel Cairo was eligible to come off the disabled list yesterday but that didn't happen. In other injury news Shortstop Paul Janish, currently playing at Triple-A Louisville, will be out four to six weeks with a broken wrist, the result of a hit-by-pitch during Friday's game. The injury did not, however, require surgery.
On Tap:
The Brewers wrap up their series in San Diego with a game today at 5:35 p.m. CDT. Yovani Gallardo (1-2) looks to even his record for the Crew. Cory Luebke was scratched from his scheduled start. Instead the Crew will face a familiar face. Jeff Suppan (0-0) will make his first MLB start since October 4, 2010.
It's get away day for the Mets as they and the Astros finish up their series with an afternoon game in Houston scheduled for 1:05 p.m. CDT. Wandy Rodriguez (2-2) will make the start for Houston. Chris Schwinden (0-0) will start for the Mets, looking to bounce back from a bad start last Friday against the Rockies.
The Cardinals and Pirates continue their series in St. Louis with tonight's 7:15 p.m. CDT game. Lance Lynn (4-0) looks to keep his early string of success going for the Cards. A.J. Burnett (1-1) will get the call for the Bucs.
The Cubs and Reds belatedly begin their series in Cincinnati today with a game scheduled for 6:10 p.m. CDT. Jeff Samardzija (2-1) will start for the Cubs and will be opposed by Bronson Arroyo (1-0).