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MLB roundup: Checking in on Dodgers, Padres, and rest of NL West

By K Michael Sweetman

Mar 31, 2023; San Diego, California, USA; Colorado Rockies second baseman Ryan McMahon (24) throws to first base after forcing out San Diego Padres shortstop Xander Bogaerts (2) at second base to complete a double play during the sixth inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 31, 2023; San Diego, California, USA; Colorado Rockies second baseman Ryan McMahon (24) throws to first base after forcing out San Diego Padres shortstop Xander Bogaerts (2) at second base to complete a double play during the sixth inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 27, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts (right) looks on from the dugout against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the sixth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts (right) looks on from the dugout against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the sixth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Sure to give Arizona a run for its money, however, are the Los Angeles Dodgers. At 13-13, just a game behind the Diamondbacks, L.A. sports a revamped lineup of its own, and that’s where the trouble starts. Center fielder James Outman has proven himself to be an absolute treasure, and sure, Mookie Betts, Max Muncy, and Freddie Freeman are still here, and still some of the best players in the game, but after shortstop Trea Turner left the team during free agency, and second baseman Gavin Lux was forced out for the year with an early March knee injury, Miguel Rojas and Miguel Vargas have presented themselves as a poor facsimile in the middle infield. David Peralta and J.D. Martinez were brought in to help solidify the batting order, but are performing well below their career numbers, while the guys they are replacing (Justin Turner and Cody Bellinger) have gone on to smash for their new teams. The good news in Los Angeles, is that with Clayton Kershaw, Dustin May, and Julio Urias fronting your rotation, you have a shot to beat anyone in a  playoff series (if you can just there).

Owning one of the more disappointing offenses in the league, the San Diego Padres have compiled a record of 13-14, and find themselves only 1.5 games away from the division’s top spot. Aside from Xander Bogaerts at .326, there is not a regular position player on this team hitting higher than .256. After obliterating baseballs all spring, Juan Soto is batting just .178. A huge offseason payday has led to Manny Machado swinging .214, with a .536 OPS and, in his six games since returning from various injuries and suspensions, Fernando Tatis Jr. is slashing just .222/.276/.333. None of those numbers are fun to look at, and the hope in San Diego is that these guys figure it somewhere along the line … and hopefully sooner than later. Starting pitcher Joe Musgrove returned from the injured list and it couldn’t have come at a better time. When Seth Lugo is holding down your starting rotation, you have either made some questionable roster decisions or you have some terribly underperforming players. Both Yu Darvish and Blake Snell are tossing career worst BB numbers right now, and that just can’t continue if the Friars want to compete for this pennant.

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