Around NL Central Spring Training, 3/30: Suppan’s Sudden Neck Injury

Brewers: On Monday, manager Ken Macha was still uncertain of his pitching schedule for the next day: Jeff Suppan, who might end up getting released despite still being owed $12.5 million, was on schedule to pitch Tuesday but Macha didn’t know where or when it would happen. Tuesday morning, Macha announced that Suppan would pitch a simulated game, and also announced that Suppan has been dealing with a neck issue for most of the spring. This opens the door for Suppan to open the season on the DL, alleviating the team’s roster crunch.

Pirates: A season and a half after being one of the focal points in the trade that sent Jason Bay to Boston, Brandon Moss was designated for assignment Monday to make room for pitcher Hayden Penn, claimed off waivers from the Marlins...The Pirates will become the second team in the NL Central to consistently use a lineup with the pitcher batting eighth. Ronny Cedeno will bat ninth, giving the hitters at the top of the order more plate appearances with runners on.

Astros: The team hopes they’ve found a solution to Roy Oswalt’s lingering injuries this spring: Oswalt received a cortisone shot in his back Monday and is expected to be ready to go on Opening Day. Oswalt left his previous start with hamstring tightness, which is believed to be related to the back issue...The Astros cut nine players from camp Tuesday morning, including potential rotation candidate Casey Daigle...Catcher J.R. Towles was not among the cuts, and is believed to have won the backup catcher job.

Cubs: The starting rotation is set for Opening Day, with Carlos Zambrano leading the way, followed by Ryan Dempster, Randy Wells, Carlos Silva and Tom Gorzelanny. The Cubs have some early April off days, but have opted to stick with the rotation and not skip anyone...Meanwhile, the mayor of Mesa is working on a new funding plan to keep the Cubs in the city.

Reds: Juan Francisco’s bat might be major league-ready, but the team continues to search for a position for him to play. Francisco, normally a third baseman, played first base for the final few innings of a Cactus League game Monday, but received no defensive chances. He’s also played some left field this spring...Aroldis Chapman is expected to return to Cactus League action Wednesday, pitching two relief innings against Oakland.

Cardinals: Pitcher Blake Hawksworth has been out for a few days with a strained groin and could remain out for a few more, but doesn’t believe the injury is serious. He told Matthew Leach that he’s still been able to work out on an elliptical machine, but has trouble pushing off when he pitches...the team made two moves official Monday, naming Chris Carpenter the Opening Day starter and optioning pitcher Rich Hill to AAA.