NL Central update: Johnny Cueto, Tyler Lyons, Jung-Ho Kang

The Cincinnati Reds have not had any discussions with ace Johnny Cueto about a contract extension, according to FOX Sports' Jon Morosi:

For Johnny Cueto, there has been no extension dialogue with Reds since Opening Day. He will become a free agent after this year.

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) May 4, 2015

As Morosi notes, Cueto's contract is up at the end of this season and he looks to be interested in testing the free agent market. If the Reds lose Cueto, it could force them to get creative in finding pitching or go with a lot of youth in their rotation for 2016, especially with Homer Bailey likely still recovering from Tommy John surgery to start the season.

NL Central standings 5/4:

NL Central news & notes 5/4:

• Cubs System Sonogram Plays Twice - Bleed Cubbie Blue
  "I enjoy trades like the one the Cubs made for Tommy La Stella. The Cubs gave up a guy (Arodys Vizcaino) they had little use for, got back an "under team control for the next six years" guy, and he's already filled a role when healthy."

• Firing of Ron Roenicke reflects poorly on Brewers - Brew Crew Ball
  "Literally just 10 days ago owner Mark Attanasio told reporters that he "wasn't looking at the manager...[at the time]." He was further quoted as saying "I know how bad we've played. But Ron didn't give up two grand slams." They went 5-5 since then."

• Former Pirates starter Jeff Karstens retires - Bucs Dugout
  "He arrived in the then-controversial Xavier Nady trade in 2008 and was a not-especially-gifted member of some not-especially-gifted Pirates teams, but there were times when he and his 88-MPH fastballs seemed to be the best thing the Pirates' rotation had to offer."

• Should Jung-Ho Kang play every day? - Bucs Dugout
  "Kang, meanwhile, has only 35 plate appearances so far, and he's been one of the Pirates' best hitters. He's been terrific, in fact."

• Tyler Lyons: The St. Louis Cardinals' second choice to replace Adam Wainwright - Viva El Birdos
  "It was somewhat surprising to see the Cardinals cut bait on Cooney after just one start, even though the club had a need for relief reinforcements after the bullpen covered 6 2/3 innings after the rookie's early exit from his big-league debut."