CENTRAL
Cubs
The Cubs are one of three teams that do not have a complete game from anyone on their pitching staff, along with Colorado and Kansas City. Their last one was Aug. 19, 2013, when Jeff Samardzija beat Washington 11-1 with a six-hitter at Wrigley Field. Samardzija was traded to Oakland on July 5. … RHP Travis Wood left Tuesday’s game after six innings with a 4-3 lead vs. the Rockies but came away without a win. He has 10 quality starts this season but hasn’t had a victory since June 15. The Cubs’ rotation has 56 quality starts but only 26 wins this year.
Brewers
The talk at the beginning of the season about how fans would react to Ryan Braun’s return from suspension has faded away as Jonathan Lucroy and Carlos Gomez have taken over as the team’s primary offensive and defensive stars.
Cardinals
Trevor Rosenthal’s fastball tickles the triple digits, he has developed a nasty change-up and keeps his cool. The 24-year-old right-hander leads the major leagues with saves in his first season as the closer is a perfect fit for the Cardinals. “You guys have seen his demeanor, whether it’s on the mound or in the clubhouse afterward, it’s pretty consistent when he shuts the door and when he’s had struggles,” manager Mike Matheny told reporters. “I think that’s one of those key characteristics of a guy who can do that job.”… Former US Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell threw out a first pitch last week. Luttrell was awarded the Navy Cross and Purple Heart for his actions in June 2005 as part of Operation Red Wings. He wrote the best-selling novel, The Lone Survivor, which has been turned into a movie starring Mark Wahlberg.
Pirates
3B Pedro Alvarez was placed on the bereavement list to attend the funeral of his wife’s grandmother. … RHP Gerrit Cole, on the DL with a strained right lat, had a rocky rehab start for Triple-A Indianapolis as he gave up five runs and 10 hits in 4 1/3 innings against Toledo in the International League. … Andrew McCutchen has a broken bone in his ribcage after being hit by a pitch, but the center fielder and last year’s NL MVP hopes to avoid going on the DL. McCutchen said he couldn’t be sure that getting hit might have caused the injury but wouldn’t rule it out. “I don’t know but I’ve taken a million swings and have never felt anything in my side until Sunday,” McCutchen said.
Reds
Joey Votto (strained left knee) who has been on the 15-day DL since July 8, is rehabilitating in Cincinnati. Manager Bryan Price said Votto is still experiencing soreness in the knee, and there is no timetable for his return. … Johnny Cueto, who pitched his fourth complete game of the season, allowed two runs vs. the Indians last week and hasn’t lost since July 2. Cincinnati is unbeaten in Cueto’s six career starts against Cleveland.
Compiled by Rick Crotts from wire reports.
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