The postseason picture may have changed over the past month, but the competitive nature of the National League Central has not.Despite a number of injuries to key players, the Cubs remain on top. After a change in the managerial seat, the Cardinals have surged into second place. The Brewers are

The postseason picture may have changed over the past month, but the competitive nature of the National League Central has not.

Despite a number of injuries to key players, the Cubs remain on top. After a change in the managerial seat, the Cardinals have surged into second place. The Brewers are right in the middle of everything.

• MLB standings

The coming days will bring a flurry of activity and rounds of roster moves in the NL Central. The contenders will consider acquiring additional help before Friday, the deadline by which players must be in the organization to be eligible for the postseason. Everyone will dig down into their Minor League systems as soon as Saturday, when active rosters expand from 25 to 40 players.

How each club moves forward depends on its current standing. The Cubs have made their big moves, so now is the time to get healthy and get everything in order. The Cardinals and Brewers are fighting to maintain their Wild Card spots, so every addition -- internal or external -- is another asset. For the Pirates and Reds, it's time to look forward.

Here is one move to watch for each team as the calendar turns to September.

Brewers

Move to watch: Zach Davies callup

The Brewers tried in vain to trade to acquire a starting pitcher before the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline, then couldn't strike a deal with the Reds after claiming Matt Harvey on trade waivers in August. General manager David Stearns continues to insist he likes the team's in-house options, but Milwaukee's starters entered play Thursday with a 5.26 ERA in August, ranking 13th of 15 teams in the NL.

Davies, who is set to be activated for Monday's start, could help. He has been sidelined most of this season by shoulder and back ailments after making 61 starts with a 3.93 ERA in 2016-17.

Cardinals

Move to watch: The return of Adam Wainwright

Wainwright is just 1-3 with a 4.00 ERA in four starts for the Cardinals this season, and he's been on the disabled list five times over the past 12 months. But he has pitched well enough during his Minor League rehab assignment to become a realistic option for the Cards' rotation next month -- or, at the very least, another intriguing multiple-inning reliever.

Wainwright has worked 12 scoreless innings over five appearances for three Minor League affiliates in his most recent rehab assignment. He'll start again on Saturday for Triple-A Memphis, and if everything continues to go well for the veteran right-hander, the Cardinals believe he could be an X-factor down the stretch -- perhaps bringing back memories of vintage Wainwright -- as they compete for a postseason spot.

Cubs

Move to watch: Healthy returns for Kristopher Bryant , Addison Russell , Brandon Morrow , Brian Duensing and Mike Montgomery

The Cubs have gotten a huge boost from Daniel Murphy , who was acquired off waivers from the Nationals and has taken hold of the leadoff spot. But just imagine the lineup when Bryant (left shoulder inflammation) and Russell (left middle finger sprain) come back. They may seem to have an overload of infielders, but Bryant is willing to play outfield if needed.

The Cubs have survived without Morrow, who was signed to be the closer but has been on the DL twice. It's been a slow rehab process for him from right biceps inflammation. Since he stepped into the rotation subbing for Yu Darvish , Montgomery (left shoulder inflammation) has proven to be a solid fill-in. Duensing (left shoulder inflammation) would give manager Joe Maddon a veteran lefty in the bullpen.

Pirates

Move to watch: Will they make a trade?

Unlikely buyers a month ago, the Pirates are now out of the postseason race and potentially in position to part ways with veterans nearing the end of their contracts. They won't move anyone who could help them in 2019, but keep an eye on veteran infielder Josh Harrison now that he has reportedly cleared revocable waivers.

The next month should serve as an opportunity for the Bucs to see what they have moving forward, especially in the middle infield. Shortstop Jordy Mercer is a pending free agent, but would Pittsburgh consider bringing back slick-fielding Adeiny Hechavarria (also approaching free agency) to ease the transition of prospect Kevin Newman ? Will second-base prospect Kevin Kramer join the fray? And if so, how will his impressive Triple-A numbers translate to the Majors?

Reds

Move to watch: Lucas Sims callup

A majority of the Reds' Major League-ready prospects are already with Cincinnati. But this should mark the first opportunity for Reds fans to get their eyes on Sims, who was among three players acquired from the Braves in the July 30 trade for Adam Duvall .

President of baseball operations Dick Williams viewed Sims "as the centerpiece of the deal," so it makes sense that the Reds want to see what they have. In five starts for Louisville since the deal, Sims is 0-2 with a 3.81 ERA and 32 strikeouts in 28 1/3 innings. In 20 big league games (10 starts) with Atlanta over 2017-18, the right-hander was 3-6 with a 5.96 ERA.