NL West roundup: Giants rising, Dodgers still atop standings

Over the past couple of years there have been two teams fighting for NL West supremacy, the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants.  This week, the two teams met for a three-game series that could have been an indicator as to how the summer would play out.  It didn't go very well for the Dodgers, as they failed to score a run in all 27 innings. The Giants have now won six in a row, and find themselves just 1.5 games back of the Dodgers. However, this is an odd year which means the Giants have no real chance at winning the World Series.

NL West standings 5/22:

NL West Standings	W	L	GB
Los Angeles Dodgers	24	16	-
San Francisco Giants	23	18	1.5
San Diego Padres	20	22	5.0
Arizona Diamondbacks	19	21	5.0
Colorado Rockies	15	23	8.0

NL West news & notes 5/22:

• Shortstop Erisbel Arruebarrena has been suspended for the rest of the 2015 season, for what is being called repeated failures to comply with his contract. Earlier in April, the new Director of Player Development, Gabe Kapler, said that "Erisbel is still a developing athlete...We'll examine and explore multiple ways of sharpening his all-around game."

• The Dodgers do have some good news, and a contingency plan at middle infield. This week they official inked Cuban infielder Hector Olivera to a six-year, $62.5 million deal. There isn't going to be much holding Olivera other than gaining experience. When asked, Andrew Friedman said that Olivera could make it to the big leagues this season.

• As bad as the three game series was for the Dodgers, it was just as good for the Giants. Their pitching was phenomenal, and are now 1.5 games out of the division. And for a cherry on top, Madison Bumgarner hit a home run off Clayton Kershaw.

• Considering the moves that were made during the offseason, San Diego fans probably expected the Padres to be closer to first place by this time. Despite an upgraded offense, there were large questions about the team's outfield. Matt Kemp's hip hindered his ability defensive in the past; Wil Myers was moving to center-field; and Justin Upton was finished it out. That combination has led the Padres to an historically awful outfield, but may have a fix by moving Wil Myers into the infield.

• After a hot start, the Rockies have come back to Earth. They find themselves in the cellar  at 15-23 and it only gets worse. Their most talented pitcher Tyler Matzek has struggled in his first 22 innings, and has already walked 19 batters. His ERA of 4.09 is the best out of any Rockies pitcher with more than one start. Matzek was sent to the minors to work out his issue, but after a rough start is now going on a "mental break" to try and right the ship.

• The Arizona Diamondbacks have the number one overall pick in the 2015 MLB Draft, and there are a number of options available for them. James Attwood of AZ Snake Pit took a look at the college players that the D-Backs could grab with the first selection.