NL Central Watch: June 25

Here’s a quick glance at what’s happening around the National League Central.

Here is a bizarre story that broke tonight involving Astros pitcher Shawn Chacon and general manager Ed Wade. Chacon threw Wade to the ground, drawing a suspension.

Thanks to interleague play, the Cardinals could ease slugger Albert Pujols into the lineup as the designated hitter when he is eligible to come off the disabled list Thursday. Meanwhile, Mark Mulder has been bothered by back spasms and will be examined in Detroit before the game against the Tigers tonight.

Cardinals manager Tony La Russa is upset by the way his teams fans are voting for the All-Star Game, mostly steamed that catcher Yadier Molina is a distant fourth behind Cubs rookie Geovany Soto. What happened to the great St. Louis Cardinal fans? La Russa asks. They can’t get Yadier 1 or 2 in there? They let the Cubs beat them?

After getting off to a 9-1 start with a 2.59 ERA, Brewers ace Ben Sheets says he plans to test the free-agent market. Its clear Sheets is steamed the Brewers havent talked contract up to this point. Meanwhile, Salomon Torres continues to slam the door as the Brewers closer, despite his first white-knuckle ninth inning.

The soap opera involving Reds slugger Adam Dunn and Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi is far from over.

Check back later for updates.