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Kris Bryant is ready for the major leagues. Everybody knows that, including the Cubs front office. But in an effort to maintain some control financially down the road, Bryant has started the year with Triple-A Iowa.
Bryant may not be down there as long as many had anticipated. Friday is the first day that Bryant can be promoted to the big leagues while the Cubs gain the extra year of control. Some bumps and bruises to current Cubs infielders Mike Olt and Tommy La Stella have fueled talks of Bryant's call-up to come sooner rather than later, according to Jesse Rodgers of ESPNChicago.com
NL Central Standings 4/14/15
| Central | W | L |
| Chi Cubs | 4 | 2 |
| Cincinnati | 4 | 3 |
| St. Louis | 3 | 3 |
| Pittsburgh | 3 | 4 |
| Milwaukee | 2 | 5 |
Other news from the NL Central:
- Devin Mesoraco's hip is not a major concern to Bryan Price and the Cincinnati Reds. Mesoraco hurt the hip during Sunday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals, but the injury is not expected to be serious and Mesoraco is day-to-day and expected back soon according to John Fay. In response, the Reds have made a flurry of roster moves, which can be highlighted by Wick Terrell of Red Reporter.
- The former first round pick was off to a sluggish start in 2015, having only two hits in 21 at-bats. Mesoraco, 26, is coming off of a career year in 2014 with a .273/.359/.534 line to go with 25 home runs and 80 RBIs.
- Even though fans want it to happen, the fire sale isn't coming for the Brewers, says Derek Harvey of Brew Crew Ball. The Brewers haven't made the playoffs since 2011, when they won 96 games. Since then, the Brewers haven't toppled 83 wins in a single season.
- What do one week's worth of stats say about a team? Not much, but they are fun to look at. Viva El Birdos took a look at the Cardinals vs. the MLB in terms of stats over the first week of the regular season.
- Should the Cardinals try to extend Michael Wacha and Carlos Martinez? Now is the time, says Craig Edwards of Viva El Birdos.
- The Pirates have big expectations for the 2015 season after back to back postseason appearances. Proving the doubters wrong is the motto for this team, one that they hope pushes them through all 162 games. More about this new confidence from Bucs Dugout, here.
- Babies have been born and some major-leaguers are returning. Both Pirates starter Francisco Liriano and Cardinals catcher Tony Cruz saw themselves away from the big league game in order to see the birth of their children, but both were activated off of the paternity list Monday.