NL CENTRAL NEWS AND NOTES

PITTSBURGH PIRATES

Joe Musgrove had a memorable homecoming June 29 when he pitched seven scoreless innings in a 6-3 victory over the Padres at San Diego.

The right-hander grew up in suburban El Cajon, Calif., and was facing the Padres for the first time. Musgrove said at least 75 family members and friends were in the stands at Petco Park.

Musgrove admitted it sometimes was difficult to maintain his focus.

❚ Right-hander Tanner Anderson was called up June 27 from Class AAA Indianapolis, where he had a 2.34 ERA in 24 relief appearances. The Harvard product was the Pirates’ 20thround draft pick in 2015.

CHICAGO CUBS

Although his injury has been reclassified, Yu Darvish is still out indefinitely. Darvish was examined by Texas Rangers team orthopedist Keith Meister, who diagnosed the pitcher with a right elbow impingement and soreness. Darvish, who pitched for the Rangers from 2012 to 2017, visited Meister four days after throwing 57 pitches on a rehab assignment June 25 with low Class A South Bend (Ind.).

Darvish received a cortisone injection, and no timetable was set for when he could resume throwing. He last pitched for the Cubs on May 20 before being placed on the disabled list because of a strained triceps.

❚ Third baseman Kris Bryant (left shoulder) was placed on the disabled list for the first time in his four-year career, retroactive to June 23. With Bryant out, second baseman Javier Baez shifted to third base and infielder/outfielder Ben Zobrist played second.

CINCINNATI REDS

Right-handed reliever Michael Lorenzen was threatening to become the Reds’ most feared slugger when he became the first major league pitcher to hit a home run in three straight at-bats since Mike Hampton in 2001 with the Colorado Rockies.

Lorenzen hit his first career grand slam June 30 in a 12-3 victory over the Brewers.

Lorenzen also hit a solo homer a night earlier in a loss to the Brewers and connected for a solo shot June 24 in a win over the Cubs. He became the first Reds pitcher to hit three homers in a season since Micah Owings in 2009.

❚ First baseman Joey Votto had two dustups in as many days. He was ejected by home plate umpire Carlos Torres in the first inning June 27 for arguing a called third strike in a win, then removed his helmet and exchanged words with Brewers catcher Erik Kratz during a third-inning at-bat the next night, prompting both benches to empty.

MILWAUKEE BREWERS

Lorenzo Cain is having an All-Star caliber season, but the Brewers had to learn to make do without the center fielder when he landed on the disabled list because of a left groin strain.

Cain was placed on the DL retroactive to June 23. Signed as a free agent in the offseason, he was hitting .291 with eight home runs and 16 stolen bases through 72 games.

Christian Yelich shifted from right field to center when Cain was injured but then was sidelined by a sore back. Keon Broxton was recalled from Class AAA Colorado Springs (Colo.) to take Cain’s roster spot.

❚ Shortstop Orlando Arcia was optioned to Colorado Springs for the second time this season July 1, and right-hander Zach Davies (rotator cuff) was forced by back tightness to leave what was supposed to be his last rehab start for the Class AAA club on June 29.

ST. LOUIS CARDINALS

Yadier Molina’s longevity was celebrated once again June 30 when the catcher played in his 1,800th game with the Cardinals.

Molina, 35, became just the fifth player in franchise history to reach that milestone, joining Hall of Famers Stan Musial (3,026), Lou Brock (2,289), Ozzie Smith (1,990) and Enos Slaughter (1,820). Molina made his major league debut in 2004 and has spent his entire 15-year career with St. Louis.

Earlier this season, Molina set the record for most games caught for one franchise. He has won eight Gold Gloves and appeared in eight All-Star Games.

❚ Shortstop Paul DeJong (broken left hand) began a rehab assignment June 29 with Class AAA Memphis (Tenn.). He has been out since May 17, when the Philadelphia Phillies’ Luis Garcia hit him with a pitch.

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT

GREGORY POLANCO, PIRATES: The 26-year-old right fielder started the season with five home runs and 15 RBI in his first 11 games, then cooled considerably and was hitting .200 with eight homers and 32 RBI through June 16. However, Polanco heated up in the final two weeks of June, going 15-for-30 (.500) with three home runs in 12 games to hike his batting average to .237.