Around the NL Central: flu pandemic and a firing

Yesterday's Results:

Brewers 1 Royals 2

Astros 3 Giants 6

Cardinals 1 White Sox 6

Cubs 4 Tigers 3 irates 6 Orioles 8

Reds 7 Indians 1

Standings:

News and Notes:

• Do we have a spitball-gate on our hands? Unsurprisingly Jose Valverde has gone on the record denying it.
• The Reds have signed No. 14 pick, high-school right-hander, Nick Travieso.
• In other draft news the Cardinals and first round pick Michael Wacha have agreed to terms.
• The transition to Triple-A for Shelby Miller, the Cardinals 2009 first round pick, hasn't gone to plan.
• Zach Cozart was out of the lineup Tuesday due to the flu, which, apparently, is sweeping through the Reds' clubhouse.
• The Cubs have fired hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo. Is he just the first of many to be shown the door?
• First base prospect Anthony Rizzo was forced to leave Tuesday's game at Triple-A Iowa early due to a right knee injury. Rizzo is not expected to miss an extended amount of time and is listed as day to day.
• Carlos Lee is nearing a return with a rehab assignment. Outfielder Travis Buck has resumed jogging but isn't close to a return. The Reds aren't the only team dealing with the flu - outfielder Jordan Schafer was ruled out of Tuesday's game due to flu-like symptoms.
• Astros manager Brad Mills will be reevaluated at the end of the season. The Astros hold a club option on his contract for 2013.
• No. 1 pick Carlos Correa worked out for the first time as a pro with the Astros on Tuesday morning.
• Matt Holliday was back in the Cardinals' lineup Tuesday after missing the past two games due to back spasms.

On Tap: