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NL Central Notes: Pirates hopes, Reds call-ups

The latest news from around the National League Central.

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MLB: St. Louis Cardinals at Pittsburgh Pirates Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Since the middle of August, it’s been a weird up and down for the Pirates. They have had a two four-game winning streaks, but have also had a seven-game losing streak and a four-game losing streak.

As the days go by, the Pirates seeing their National League wild card hopes slip further and further away. Mark Madden of the Beaver County Times says that this team is right where they should be: on the outside looking in.

More from around the National League Central:

  • The Reds made a couple of call-ups on Tuesday, bringing up infielder/outfielder Tony Renda, Steve Selsky and pitcher Josh Smith. Notably missing from this list were top prospects Jesse Winker, Dilson Herrera and Amir Garrett.
  • Major leaguers continue to way in on the Tim Tebow conversation. Cubs’ outfielder Matt Szczur made his point very clear when he said that the former quarterback is too old to be trying to play in the big leagues.
  • St. Louis is trying to hold onto to a wild card spot while they start two starting pitchers very inexperienced. Luke Weaver and Alex Reyes are key parts of the rotation and are just getting their first cup of coffee in the big leagues.
  • The player to be named later in the Jonathan Lucroy deal between Milwaukee and Texas was infielder/outfielder Ryan Cordell.

Standings ‘as of writing’:

Chi Cubs 89-49 — GB

St. Louis 73-64 15.5 GB

Pittsburgh 67-69 21.0 GB

Milwaukee 61-77 28.0 GB

Cincinnati 57-80 31.5 GB