The Reds Are Doing A Lot. The Cardinals Are Doing Little. Who's Doing It Right?

With the signing of corner outfielder Nick Castellanos, the Cincinnati Reds have spent $164 million on free-agent contacts this winter:

101 ESPN

Jacob DeGrom Throws Gem To Keep Wild Hopes Alive

Jacob deGrom didn’t feel great in the bullpen prior to his start on Friday night at Great American Ball Park, but he admitted that is not unusual for him this season.

New York-N Official Site

Sonny Gray Takes No-Hitter Into Seventh

Instead of channeling frustration after losing a no-hitter in the seventh inning, then serving up a game-winning home run, Sonny Gray spoke of perspective and context.

Cincinnati Official Site

Octavio Dotel Arrested In Drug Ring

Authorities in the Dominican Republic have arrested former MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel and and cited ex-infielder Luis Castillo for their alleged links to a drug-trafficking and money-laundering ring, officials said Tuesday.

ESPN

Marcus Stroman Set 'To Dominate, Wherever That May Be'

If Marcus Stroman was bidding farewell to the Blue Jays and the Toronto faithful on Wednesday, he did so with the grandest of gestures.

Toronto Official Site

Is The NL Central Mediocre, Or Just Balanced?

Abject mediocrity? Or almost unprecedented balance?

Post-Dispatch

Bernie's Daily Redbird Review 6-5-19: Cardinals' Sluggish, Low-Scoring Offense Needs More Slugging

Good morning…

101 ESPN

Sonny Gray Back On Track After Bullpen Session

Sonny Gray appears to be back on track.

Cincinnati Official Site

Jose Martinez Offers Rare Skills At The Plate

When the offseason began, the Cardinals' Jose Martinez looked like one of baseball's most obvious trade candidates, perhaps headed to an American League team that could take full advantage of his bat while mitigating his defensive shortcomings.

St. Louis Official Site

Jon Lester Hurls Gem As Cubs Build On Central Lead

Jon Lester assured everyone he would be fine after exiting his previous start with back spasms. Taking the mound Saturday as scheduled, the veteran left-hander proved he was ready, completing seven scoreless innings in the Cubs' 1-0 win over the Reds at Wrigley Field.

Chicago-N Official Site

NL Central Storylines By The Numbers

With two and a half weeks left in the season, the National League Central is still up for grabs. The Brewers are a game back of the Cubs after taking Wednesday's finale with a 5-1 win at Wrigley Field. The Cardinals remain 3 1/2 games back, with five series to play, including six games against the Brewers and Cubs.

St. Louis Official Site

Cardinals & Mike Shildt Face True Test As FInal Stretch Begins

Sometimes, you learn the harshest lessons from the worst teams.

KSDK

Cardinals Call On Luke Weaver To Start With Franchise History On The Line

A spot in the team record books is on the line Sunday, as well as an opportunity to solidify their playoff positioning.

Fox Sports Midwest

Series Preview: Red @ Cardinals August 31-September 2, 2018

After the Cardinals won the first nine meetings this season, the Reds have won five of the last seven. This three-game set concludes the season series. The Reds are in the process of running through the gauntlet of NL Central Division leaders, having played Milwaukee and Chicago in the preceding 10 games, going 2-8 in the process.

Post-Dispatch

The Never-Changing Luke Weaver

Everybody was excited for Luke Weaver. Fantasy baseball owners considered the universe where he was a top-20 starting pitcher. Others simply considered him a breakout. We were even excited here at VEB.

Viva El Birdos

Amid Trade Rumors, Matt Harvey Sharp In Reds' Win

Matt Harvey did not want to speculate on his future with the Reds following his start in a 6-2 win over the Phillies on Saturday at Great American Ball Park.

Cincinnati Official Site

Cardinals Placed Kolten Wong On The Ten-Day Disabled List & Recalled Daniel Poncedeleon From Triple-A Memphis; Carlos Martinez Update

The St. Louis Cardinals announced prior to Monday's series opener with Cincinnati that they have recalled rookie right-handed pitcher Daniel Poncedeleon from Memphis (AAA) and placed second baseman Kolten Wong (left knee inflammation) on the 10-day disabled list, retroactive to July 22.
St. Louis Official Site

A twinge felt while turning third base this weekend in Chicago has put a snag in Kolten Wong's season, but the Cardinals don't expect it to be a long-term one.
St. Louis Official Site

In a move that surprised no one, the St. Louis Cardinals recalled right-hander Daniel Poncedeleon from Triple-A Memphis on Monday. But in a less anticipated move, they also placed second baseman Kolten Wong on the 10-day disabled list with left knee inflammation.
Fox Sports Midwest

For most, the fifth and sixth inning of Sunday’s exhibition match played between the Cardinals and Astros was just another forgettable stretch of spring training. Six quiet outs on a sleepy afternoon, played a small town on Florida’s east coast.
KMOV

Series Preview: Cardinals @ Reds July 23-25, 2018

Though they sit in last place in the National League Central, the Reds (43-55 entering Sunday) feature a potent offense. Scooter Gennett, Eugenio Suarez and Joey Votto all appeared in the All-Star Game in Washington.

Post-Dispatch

Jim Riggleman Talks Managing Reds' Turnaround

In a recent phone interview with MLB.com, Reds interim manager Jim Riggleman answered questions on a wide range of topics, from his managerial style to his respect for Reds ownership.

Cincinnati Official Site

Matt Carpenter Ties Cardinals' Mark With Leadoff Jack

Cardinals first baseman Matt Carpenter tied a franchise record for leadoff home runs in a season when he launched his fifth off Reds starter Anthony DeSclafani in Sunday's 6-4 win in the series finale at Busch Stadium.

St. Louis Official Site