With Jose Fernandez expected to miss the remainder of the season following Tommy John surgery, the Marlins will find it hard to remain in the NL East race.
The Cardinals hit the season's quarter-mark at 20-20, a slow start for the reigning National League champions, who were expected to repeat as division winners.
The Padres remain committed to the practice of signing young players to cheaper, long-term contract extensions despite the unpredictability of their future production.
Saul Katz has expressed interest in selling his share of the Mets because of the repeated need to infuse the team with cash, according to a New York Times report.
Brian Cashman, who referred to Masahiro Tanaka as a No. 3 starter during the winter, has been surprised by how easily the right-hander has become accustomed to Major League Baseball.
Hal Steinbrenner has said that the club don't need Stephen Drew, but that could change if New York decides Derek Jeter can't handle a full season at shortstop.