NL Central Notes: Lackey placed on DL, Flores designated

Chicago placed pitchers John Lackey and Hector Rondon on the disabled list Friday, according to MLB.com’s Carrie Muskat.

Lackey has reportedly been plagued by shoulder soreness, while Rondon is out with a triceps injury.

Lackey, 37, has had an effective 2016 campaign with the Cubs, pitching to a 3.41 ERA over 158.1 innings. He signed a two-year, $32 million deal last off-season.

While Rondon lost his closing job after the Cubs acquired Aroldis Chapman, he’s pitched to a 2.47 ERA over 43.2 innings out of Chicago’s bullpen.

Since the Cubs have a large lead in the National League Central, it’s unlikely they rush Chapman or Rondon back.

More from around the National League Central:

• If the Cardinals earn one of two Wild Card spots in the National League, their closer might be an option to serve as the starter.

• Some of Pittsburgh’s Class-A starters aren’t have the best of 2016 seasons, which could be problematic in the future.

• Milwaukee designated outfielder Ramon Flores for assignment and activated Domingo Santana from the 15-day DL.

• Cincinnati optioned Cody Reed to Triple-A earlier this week.

• Attendance hasn’t been an issue for the Cubs, who have hosed 40,000 fans routinely.

Standings ‘as of writing’:

Cubs 77-43 —GB

Cardinals 65-56 12.5 GB

Pirates 62-57 14.5 GB

Brewers 52-68 25.0 GB

Reds 52-69 25.5 GB