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NL Central Notes: Startling Marte, 2017 Reds

The latest news from around the National League Central.

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MLB: Milwaukee Brewers at Pittsburgh Pirates Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

It hasn’t been the easiest road to recovery for Pirates left fielder Startling Marte. Back spasms flared up on September 5, and that basically cost him the entire month. 16 days later, Marte pinch hit in Milwaukee and played three innings on September 22.

Marte is frustrated to have been out, and not being able to play the game in the aggressive manner that he is used to. And the stats show that the team is missing him.

More from around the National League Central:

  • While all of their potential playoff foes are being plagued by injuries, the Cubs are gaining strength.
  • 2016 was a down season for the Cincinnati Reds. What does 2017 have in store? Well, the finish to the season has giving Reds fans some hope, starting with veterans Joey Votto and Brandon Phillips.
  • It seems like none of the three teams involved in the playoff hunt want to lock up the spot, but the St. Louis Cardinals are creeping their way back into the playoff picture once again.
  • About two months after their trade, both the Brewers and Jonathan Lucroy are happy with how things worked out.

Standings ‘as of writing’:

Chi Cubs 101-56 — GB

St. Louis 82-75 19.0 GB

Pittsburgh 77-80 24.0 GB

Milwaukee 71-87 30.5 GB

Cincinnati 66-91 35.0 GB