NL Central Notes: Ryan Braun’s contract, Gregory Blanco placed on DL

Ryan Braun now has 10 seasons of major league experience and has spent his entire career with the Brewers, enabling him to receive 10 and 5 player rights, according to FanRag Sports’ Jon Heyman.

The rights are similar to a contract featuring a no-trade clause, enabling Braun to prevent a trade to a team he doesn’t want to play for. Braun has been linked to the Dodgers the last few months, and Heyman adds the veteran outfielder would likely be OK if he were to be sent to Los Angeles.

Braun is hitting .287/.374/.574 with seven home runs and 18 RBIs over 27 games this season.

Here’s the latest from around the National League Central:

• Things are looking good for the Cubs, who finally earned a series sweep against the Reds this week.

• Carlos Martinez is teaming up with K Cancer in a lovely Cardinals non-game related note.

• The Pirates placed Gregory Polanco on the disabled list with a hamstring strain, which isn’t the best of news for Pittsburgh’s 25-man roster.

• Zack Cozart has developed nicely for the Reds, and while it’s notable, it probably shouldn’t come as a surprise.

• Paolo Espino will make his major league debut with the Brewers against the Cubs on Friday.