NL Central Watch: July 2

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

The Cardinals have bucked the league-wide trend of thriving at home, doing about as well at Busch Stadium as they do on the road. Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch takes a close look at the Cardinals surprising lineup. After recent flareups in his elbow, former ace Chris Carpenter is feeling good again. He will throw for the Cardinals today before resuming his rehab in Florida.

Indians lefty C.C. Sabathia faces the White Sox tonight and there figures to be an overflow crowd of scouts watching the reigning Cy Young Award winner at U.S. Cellular Field. We all know the Cubs will be watching, but so will the Brewers. Meanwhile, the Brewers have had no problem scoring early, but they continue to come up empty late in games.

Frustrated by the exploding maple bats, Reds slugger Adam Dunn has switched to ash bats.

Check back later for updates.