Around NL Central Spring Training, 3/26: Watch Your Seat, Derrek Lee

Cubs: Derrek Lee had to leave Thursday’s game early to seek treatment on his back, injured when a clubhouse chair gave way underneath him before the game. Lee is expected to be fine and could be back in the lineup as soon as Friday...manager Lou Piniella is expected to name the final two members of his starting rotation Friday, and Tom Gorzelanny might have the inside track for a spot: He became the first Cub to pitch six innings in a Cactus League game Thursday, allowing two runs on five hits and a walk.

Cardinals: 24 hours removed from Yadier Molina leaving Wednesday’s game with an oblique strain, the Cardinals toned down expectations for a quick return, calling the catcher “questionable” for Opening Day...After spending much of the spring as a dark horse candidate, Jaime Garcia appears to have made the team as the fifth starter, although an official announcement has yet to be made.

Astros: Brett Myers had to leave his start Thursday with a strained left groin, but told Brian McTaggart he expects to be able to make his next scheduled start on Tuesday. Myers, pitching against the Phillies for the first time since signing with the Astros, allowed three runs on seven hits with a walk and a strikeout in 5.1 innings.

Brewers: Ending speculation that he might be released to save roughly $3 million on his non-guaranteed contract, Dave Bush appears to be penciled in as the #4 starter on Opening Day...After coming to camp as a non-roster invitee and making some waves by publicly stating he’s not sure he’s willing to settle for fourth outfielder-level playing time, Jim Edmonds has been added to the 40 man roster by the Brewers and appears to have made the team.

Reds: The starting rotation for the final weeks of spring training would suggest that the race for the fifth spot in the starting rotation is down to Mike Leake and Travis Wood, but GM Walt Jocketty told John Fay not to be so sure. Jocketty mentioned Matt Maloney and Justin Lehr as other candidates. Aroldis Chapman could also be considered if his ailing back allows him to pitch again soon.

Pirates: Dejan Kovacevic reports that outfielder Ryan Church and pitcher Vinnie Chulk are both nursing minor injuries, but are expected to return to action this weekend. Church has a hairline fracture on his left middle finger and Chulk has tightness in his bicep...the team also reached a long term deal with FSN Pittsburgh to televise Pirate games. As part of the deal, FSN agreed to televise a minimum of 150 Pirate games per season, up from 120 in previous contracts.