NL Central Notes: Pirates pitching, Brewers ‘balancing act’

After losing five straight games, including three to their division rival in St. Louis, there were questions about the Pirates ability to compete and make a playoff run. In order to do that, and hang with the Cubs and Cardinals, they would need to add to their roster.

They are in luck, as they got the first piece of that help in the form of former number two overall pick back in 2010, Jameson Taillon. The 24-year-old has made his first two big league starts against the Mets, and flirted with a no-hitter during his most recent outing.

The best news? More help could be on the way. Another top pitching prospect, Tyler Glasnow is pitching well and noise of a call-up is gaining steam. Adding Glasnow and Taillon to Gerrit Cole and the current Pirates rotation could be exactly what they need.

More news from around the National League Central:

• Brewers general manager David Stearns made it clear the other day, that it’s a balancing act on whether or not to move the Brewers high prized assets, Ryan Braun and Jonathan Lucroy.
• The Cubs want to bolster their bullpen, and are looking at the Yankees trio of arms in order to do it.
• After struggling in the majors, Kolten Wong was sent down to Triple-A Memphis. While down there, he is getting exposed to center field. That could be his ticket back to the majors.
• J.J. Hoover is another player who was sent down by his team, mainly because of his 14.34 ERA. But now, he is back and he looked very solid in his first inning of work with the big league club.