Brewers
The Brewers have had a least a share of first place in the NL Central every day since April 5. Milwaukee last won a division title in 2011. … RHP Kyle Lohse (12-7) returned to the rotation to open a three-game series in San Diego. Lohse had not started since Aug. 13 because of a right ankle injury. Lohse allowed a run and four hits over six innings to beat the Padres for the fourth straight time. “The ankle was fine,” Lohse said. “It was one of those things where I felt really good and really strong. And we kept putting up runs. … I’m not used to having almost two weeks off late in the season. Everything else has been feeling good but I just needed a little break to get ahead of the ankle soreness.”
Cardinals
RHP Jason Motte missed his 20th game with a lower back strain. The reliever is 0-0 with a 4.91 ERA in 24 games. … C Yadier Molina (right thumb ligament tear) and RHP Michael Wacha (right shoulder) began rehab assignments in Double-A Springfield. “It’s a great step forward,” manager Mike Matheny said about the progress of both players. “Obviously, we’ll see how they both feel after they get an opportunity to get into a game. It’s definitely good news.”
Cubs
RHP Brian Schlitter was reinstated from the 15-day disabled list and optioned to Triple-A Iowa. He went on the DL on Aug. 9 with right shoulder inflammation. He is 2-3 with a 3.47 ERA in 53 games this season. … Cubs manager Rick Renteria and bench coach Brandon Hyde ran under the tarp at the start of a 3-hour, 9-minute rain delay to help a member of the grounds crew who fell. “I just didn’t think it was good for him to be under the tarp,” Renteria said. “I just reacted.”
Pirates
The Pirates are hoping Gregory Polanco can use a little time out of the spotlight to fix his swing. The 22-year-old rookie OF was sent back to Triple-A, believing a week in the minors will help Polanco break out of his freefall. “The timing is off in his swing and I don’t think the best way to spend the next week was with him sitting on the bench,” manager Clint Hurdle said. “This will give him an opportunity to get down, get some at-bats and get out of the spotlight that is here … so he can help this ballclub in September in a very positive fashion.” … Andrew McCutchen isn’t feeling 100 percent less than a week after coming off the DL for a fractured rib. McCutchen: “And that’s how it’s going to be the rest of the season.”
Reds
RHP Homer Bailey, on the disabled list since Aug. 16 with a strained right forearm, has increased his exercise program, but he has not resumed throwing, manager Bryan Price said. “There’s been improvement from where he was,” Price said.
Compiled by Rick Crotts from wire reports.
