Through four weeks, the National League West hasn’t exactly unfolded as planned. The division feels much tighter this month than it looked on paper before the season. The world-beating offenses in Los Angeles and San Diego haven't quite lived up to their billing.
Sure, there’s a long way to go. But it's made for an early-season divisional tussle that has been quite fascinating. With that in mind, here are the most surprising early-season developments for each team in the NL West.
D-backs: How well they’ve dealt with their injuries
Every team knows it is going to have to deal with injuries during the course of a season, but the D-backs have had far more than their fair share so far in 2021. Among those who have been on the injured list this year for them are shortstop Nick Ahmed, center fielder Ketel Marte, right fielder Kole Calhoun, center fielder Tim Locastro, first baseman Christian Walker, ace Zac Gallen, closer Joakim Soria and setup man Tyler Clippard. It’s a long list and, given that the D-backs were not looked at as a postseason contender to begin with, the fact that they've managed to stay right around the .500 mark gives them hope that once they get all their missing players back, they are going to be even better. -- Steve Gilbert
Dodgers: Offensive struggles
On paper, the Dodgers have one of the most potent lineups in the Majors -- even without Cody Bellinger, who has been sidelined with a hairline fracture of his left fibula since April 6. The offense got off to a good start, helping the Dodgers jump out to a 13-2 record through 15 games. But they’ve struggled lately, averaging less than three runs per game over their past 10 games. Perhaps even more surprising is the fact that Mookie Betts has been in the middle of those struggles. Betts has battled multiple injuries already this season, and he hasn’t hit a homer since April 13. -- Juan Toribio
Giants: The lights-out pitching staff
The Giants’ offense has been inconsistent to open the season, but they’re still off to a fast start thanks to the stellar performance of their pitching staff, which entered Thursday with a 2.93 ERA, second best in the Majors. Their starting rotation was a question mark heading into 2021, but newcomers Anthony DeSclafani (1.50 ERA), Alex Wood (1.50) and Aaron Sanchez (2.22) have impressed thus far and have coalesced nicely behind ace Kevin Gausman (2.14). Logan Webb (4.03) has been the weakest link, but he showed off his high ceiling by firing seven scoreless innings against the Marlins on Sunday, and he will get a longer look in the rotation while Johnny Cueto recovers from a lat strain. The group could only get deeper, as Tyler Beede is rehabbing from Tommy John surgery and is expected to develop into a starting option once he’s eligible to come off the 60-day injured list on May 31. -- Maria Guardado
Padres: Defensive regression
In 2020, the Padres were one of the best defensive teams in baseball. They had a Gold Glove center fielder in Trent Grisham and above-average defensive performances at nearly every position. This season, in an admittedly small sample, their defense -- comprised almost entirely of the same players -- has slumped. (Aside from Manny Machado, who has been brilliant as usual at third base.) The Padres entered play Thursday leading the Major Leagues with 22 errors. In particular, star shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. has been poor. He leads the Majors with an unsightly 10 errors. The Padres remain confident in their defense's ability, and the track records of their players give them good reason to be. But it's sure been a rough start defensively in San Diego. -- AJ Cassavell
Rockies: The bullpen’s turnaround
The bullpen struggled in the beginning -- a 5.80 ERA with 27 walks and nine home runs allowed over 54 1/3 innings in the season's first 16 games. The Rockies were 4-12, although relievers did not participate in Germán Márquez's complete-game win over the Mets at Coors. But the Rockies won five of their next eight games, and the bullpen produced a 3.38 ERA in that span prior to a loss in San Francisco on Wednesday night. Veteran Mychal Givens (2.70 ERA) and offseason trade acquisition Robert Stephenson (2.53) have been the two best relievers. And the bullpen can take a major step forward if Tyler Kinley, Carlos Estévez, Yency Almonte and closer Daniel Bard can regain form after recent blips. -- Thomas Harding