NL Central Notes: Jhonny Peralta rehab, Matt Holliday success

Cardinals infielder Jhonny Peralta started his rehab assignment Friday with Class-A Peoria.

Peralta tore a thumb ligament in March and had surgery shortly after. He can only be on his rehab assignment for 20 days, meaning he will return to St. Louis in early June at the latest.

Since the Cardinals were preparing to be without Peralta until around the All-Star break, his early return could prove to be beneficial. St. Louis' infield defense has been inconsistent to this point in 2016.

Over 155 games last season, Peralta batted .275.

More from around the NL Central:

• Cubs outfielder Jason Heyward has a contusion and will not need to be placed on the disabled list.

• Pittsburgh's bullpen hasn't had much success this season. However, in the coming weeks, the unit might get significantly better.

• Milwaukee placed right fielder Domingo Santana on the disabled list with right shoulder soreness. He reportedly has been bothered by the injury over the last few days.

• It seems expecting Homer Bailey to be healthy by May was optimistic on the Reds' part. Cincinnati's starting rotation has been plagued by injuries.

• Matt Holliday is producing regularly, as the Cardinals have consistently expected him to. What changed this season?