NL Central Notes: Montas, Alzolay, Cardinals

the RedsThe Angels' 3-0 shutout today saw five relievers combine for 8 1/3 innings of work, after a forearm bruise forced the start. Frankie Montas Out of the game in the first half. Montas was struck by A Taylor Ward led the line and was still able to throw Ward out at first base, although he left the mound after an inspection from the team's coach. X-rays did not reveal any fractures, although Montas told reporters (including… Charlie Goldsmith of the Cincinnati Enquirer) After the game there was enough pain and swelling that it seemed unlikely he would make his next start.

His next start is scheduled for Friday against the Rangers, and since the Reds don't have another day off until May 2, another start will have to be covered if Montas needs longer recovery time than just one inning during the rotation. It appears an injured list could be a possibility for Montas just so the Reds aren't left short, though the team expects to evaluate Montas over the next few days before making a decision. Montas has a 4.19 ERA over 19 1/3 innings for Cincinnati this season, following up two strong opening starts with a shakier two-inning performance before today's shortened appearance.

More from around the NL Central…

• I managed the Zulay He pitched a perfect eighth inning Cubs6-3 loss to the Marlins today as coach Craig's advisor He indicated before the match that Al-Zoulay would not be used in a save situation. After becoming Chicago's closest player last season, Alzolay missed four of seven chances at the start of this year, prompting Counsell to tell reporters (including Steve Greenberg of the Chicago Sun-Times) which “We have to give Adbert some creditFor his part, Al-Zoulay said that mechanical problems were more to blame than any lack of self-confidence. As for who would take over the closest duties until Al-Zoulay returns to the mix, the advisor said that “Kind of like a day-to-day thing,” althoug Hector Neres And Mark Leiter Jr They seem like the most natural candidates.
• the basics Call the catcher Pedro Pages And the right Nick Robertson of Triple-A Memphis before today's game, while selecting the right-hander Andre Balant And a defense player Victor Scott II. Pallant has served as an reliever over the past two seasons, but will start in Triple-A as a way to get more work in the feisty two-seam fastball, the Cards' manager. Oliver Marmol Tell Daniel Guerrero of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch And other reporters. Scott will get his first taste of Triple-A baseball, as the Cardinals included him on the Opening Day roster due to some infield injuries, and as a nod to his impressive 2023 numbers that earned Scott some recognition on their top 100 prospect list. Unfortunately, Scott seemed overwhelmed by major league pitching, with only a .085/.139/.136 slash line to show for it in his first 65 plate appearances in the bullpen. Having pages for cards will allow some flexibility in using peer support points Wilson Contreras And Ivan Herrera In the same lineup at catcher and DH, as Contreras and Herrera are two of the few productive bats within St. Louis' struggling offense.