In Case You Missed It: Western Pennsylvania baseball trending up

Western Pennsylvania high schools are sending more players to the college and pro ranks, highlighted by first-round picks from the WPIAL in three straight years, writes local high school scribe Mike White.

In addition to No. 4 overall pick Brendan McKay (University of Louisville/Blackhawk HS), J.J. Matijevic (Arizona/Norwin) was taken in the second round.

Here are some links regarding the local professional club:

• Jordy Mercer has been hitting quite well the past month.
• Josh Harrison is becoming a target for pitchers.
• Ken Rosenthal says the Pirates are likely to trade Andrew McCutchen.
• The Pirates’ starters are learning on the job.
• Francisco Cervelli has been diagnosed with an unspecified “acute-on-chronic” condition.
• Chad Kuhl says he isn’t trying to throw harder.

Around the NL Central

• The Brewers are rebuilding without bottoming out.
• Eric Thames has hit a rough patch.
• The Cubs have demoted Kyle Schwarber to Triple-A.
• The case for rebuilding the Cardinals
• There’s a little hope for the Reds’ rotation.

Elsewhere

• The Diamondbacks are the best baserunning team in baseball.
• An excellent package on the Latino baseball experience