National League Central and Wild Card coming into focus

A pair of teams fighting for the National League Central crown (and position in the NL Wild Card) begin a crucial three-game series this evening. The St. Louis Cardinals travel to PNC Park to face the Pittsburgh Pirates.

There is another series that could have an effect on the NL Wild Card picture. The series will see an unlikely NL Wild Card challenger squaring off against baseball’s best team.

(John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports)

In addition to those series, a make up game between the New York Yankees and Kansas City Royals will take place.

The Yankees will send right-hander Michael Pineda to the hill while the Royals will counter with James Shields.

The two will begin a weekend series (in KC) next starting next Friday. Be interesting to see how the standings change in that short of a time span.

Now, to the pair of series that could have an impact on the National League playoff possibilities…