The Dodgers romped over the Marlins and in Atlanta last week, but they weren’t the only streaking team in the National League West. The Padres won all five of their games, sweeping the Giants at home and the Pirates on the road.
It was a much-needed turnaround for San Diego after dropping their previous three series and losing seven of nine games prior to this week. Luis Arráez returned from the concussion injured list with his hitting shoes on, logging three multi-hit games and going 8-for-21 (.381) with a triple, double, and five RBI. Stephen Kolek was a part of the Padres bullpen last year but was called Sunday to start, and delivered 5⅓ scoreless innings to complete a sweep in Pittsburgh.
More good news for the Padres could come soon, as Jackson Merrill and Jake Cronenworth started rehab assignments last week.
The Diamondbacks had a breakeven week on the road against the two best teams in the NL East, but ace Corbin Burnes has a shoulder injury and will be skipped on Monday, per Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic.
The Rockies had their first two-win week of the season, with consecutive victories Wednesday against the Braves and Thursday against the Giants snapping an eight-game losing streak. But Colorado has still lost all 11 series they’ve played this season, and their 6-28 start is the worst 34-game stretch for any point in a season in their 33-year franchise history.
NL West standings
through May 4
Dodgers 23-11, – – –
Padres 22-11, ½ GB
Giants 22-13, 1½ GB
D-backs 18-16, 5 GB
Rockies, 6-28, 17 GB
The week ahead
Dodgers: at Marlins, at D-backs (4)
Padres: at Yankees, at Rockies
Giants: at Cubs, at Twins
D-backs: vs. Mets, vs. Dodgers (4)
Rockies: vs. Tigers, vs. Padres
Two divisional series come this weekend, with the Dodgers in Arizona and the Padres going to Coors Field.