NL West Round-Up: Dodgers Aren’t Only Team Facing Concerns

[new_royalslider id=”46″] The Los Angeles Dodgers were extremely active moving players up and down their farm system this week. One of the players to receive a call up, Miguel Olivo, appears to have helped fill the void at catcher with A.J. Ellis still recovering from knee surgery.

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

Arizona Diamondbacks

After some discussion regarding manager Kirk Gibson’s job security and the Arizona Diamondbacks’ poor start to the season, they continued to struggle in the early portion of the week before rebounding with multiple wins.

Some of the shine was taken off the victories however, as A.J. Pollock missed four consecutive games with a strained groin. Meanwhile, Gerardo Parra was hit by a pitch on his right elbow and played through swelling.

Colorado Rockies

The Colorado Rockies placed Josh Rutledge on the 15-day disabled list with a viral infection. The move was retroactive to Monday, which was one day after Rutledge hit a three-run homer against the Dodgers in the Rockies’ 6-1 win.

Tyler Chatwood was also placed on the DL, though he may miss up to eight weeks with a right flexor strain and inflammation.

Troy Tulowitzki provided positive news for the Rockies as he recorded career hit No. 1,000 on Saturday.

Los Angeles Dodgers

Paco Rodriguez had a busy week of travel as he was called up by the Dodgers only to be optioned back down to the minors days later. The several moves throughout the week were in large part to the Dodgers being in need of pitching.

The team also needed a boost to the production from their catching unit, which resulted in Tim Federowicz being optioned to Triple-A and Olivo’s contract being selected. Clayton Kershaw completed a bullpen session on Friday and is on track to start Tuesday. His return comes as Hyun-Jin Ryu was placed on the 15-day DL with inflammation in his shoulder.

San Diego Padres

The San Diego Padres traded for infielder Benji Gonzalez, who was with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Gonzalez hasn’t appeared in a game this season, instead spending his time at the Pirates’ Spring Training facility.

Carlos Quentin played in a rehab game on Saturday as his nears a return with the Padres. Quentin suffered a bone bruise in Spring Training and according to manager Bud Black, Quentin will continue to rehab throughout the week in an effort to work on his timing.

San Francisco Giants

Slicing his finger while making a sandwich, Matt Cain was placed on the 15-day DL on Sunday. Cain was scheduled to start on Monday and the decision is a reverse in course for the Giants. While the Dodgers are concerned over the workload their relievers have gone through, manager Bruce Bochy is worried over Buster Posey’s amount of work.
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