MLB and Dodgers News: Looking at The Early NL West Happenings

The Dodgers dropped the final game of the series on Thursday, getting shutout 4-0. Los Angeles now sits at 5-5, a fair representation of its showing thus far.

But the National League West appears to be one of the more competitive divisions, if we’re to put any stock into the first week.

The Arizona Diamondbacks are 7–2. Baseball is the best.

— Kenny Ducey (@KennyDucey) April 12, 2017

The post Dave Stewart era is off to a promising start in the desert. The Diamondbacks swept last year’s American League winners, the Cleveland Indians. Arizona is 3-2 against San Francisco in its other games, with seven games upcoming against Los Angeles in the next 14 days, starting with Zack Greinke opposing Clayton Kershaw at Dodger Stadium Friday.

Speaking of San Francisco, Buster Posey is the big question. He took a fastball to the head and was placed on the 7-day DL. Obviously if he misses any extended time, the Giants have problems. The team is 4-6 and receiving virtually no production from its left fielders. It signed Melvin Upton Jr. earlier this week, and we’ll likely see him soon.

Colorado is 6-4, including a series win over L.A. last weekend. The Rockies offense has yet to gain steam and the team has been hit with the injury bug – both of which make for optimism later in the season. Nolan Arenado has already won them two games via the long ball, and he’ll be an MVP contender if the Rockies stick around. Ken Rosenthal wrote an Arenado column Wednesday. It’s a highly recommend read.

ICYMI: Inside what makes Arenado tick. https://t.co/gb4NEtVLDK

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) April 12, 2017

San Diego is what it is, but the 5-5 start has showed flashes of brilliance from some of its longterm assets, namely Wil Myers and Manuel Margot. The Padres lost three of four to the Dodgers – including two in embarrassing fashion – but rebounded quickly to win a series against San Francisco. San Diego’s pitching remains a weak point, but the team will be fun to watch.

The Dodgers go return home to face Arizona for four and Colorado for three in an early, but important homestand.