NL West Round-Up: San Francisco Giants Make A Statement

The Los Angeles Dodgers had yet another disappointing week that ended with them dropping three of four to the San Francisco Giants. While the on-the-field results weren’t as desired, the Dodgers did receive some positive news on the injury front.

A.J. Ellis began what will likely be a two-game rehab assignment Sunday and Hyun-Jin Ryu resumed a throwing program. Ryu threw from flat ground on Saturday and Sunday, and may now pitch from the mound Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Dodgers are still uncertain with Juan Uribe’s status as he is currently dealing with a strained hamstring.

Here’s a look at the news and rumors from the rest of the division:

Arizona Diamondbacks

Arizona Diamondbacks reliever J.J. Putz was placed on the 15-day disabled list with tightness in his forearm. The Diamondbacks attempted to avoid placing Putz on the DL, but the situation simply wasn’t improving. An MRI on Putz’s arm didn’t reveal any other damage and he is expected to be shutdown seven to 10 days.

The Diamondbacks’ pitching staff has been a source  of frustration for the team and its struggles resulted in the demotion for one of its pitchers. Mike Bolsinger was demoted to Triple-A, which has left a hole in the starting rotation. Manager Kirk Gibson isn’t overly concerned by the void left as the D-Backs aren’t in need of another starter until Tuesday.

Colorado Rockies

Nolan Arenado’s hitting streak came to an end at 28 games on an night he finished 0-for-3 with a walk. The 28 games broke Michael Cuddyer’s streak of 27, which he reached last season.

Justin Morneau is hitting well for the Colorado Rockies this season and believes it’s tied to his studying more video and a different approach in his first at-bats of games.

San Diego Padres

Similar to the Dodgers, the San Diego Padres received some positive injury news. After missing 14 games with a calf strain, Chase Hedley returned to the Padres Saturday. The 30-year-old struggled at the plate before being injured on April 24 and collected four hits in 12 Minor League at-bats.

Carlos Quentin has yet to return and when exactly that will be remains uncertain. Quentin played in back-to-back games for the first time over the weekend and is looking forward to helping his teammates upon returning.

San Francisco Giants

The San Francisco Giants made a strong statement in their four-game series against the Dodgers. The Giants won the first two games before dropping the third game against Zack Greinke. Sunday presented a back and forth affair with the Giants jumping out ahead twice, only to have the Dodgers tie the game both times.

Hanley Ramirez hit a two-run homer to tie the game in the ninth and the Giants showed their resilience by scoring three runs in the top of the 10th to finish with wins in three of the four games.
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Dodgers Update: Dodgers Fall Behind Giants And Rockies In NL West