MLB End-of-May Check-in: NL West
Briefly

As the MLB season progresses, the NL West has emerged as a prominent division with three teams competing closely for the lead. The Los Angeles Dodgers, at 36-22, lead with a strong offense supported by a substantial payroll. However, their pitching staff is facing significant injuries, raising concerns. Despite this, the Dodgers remain a top team, partly due to standout players like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. In contrast, the AL East appears to be weaker this season, showcasing underwhelming performances.
The AL East is a reasonably weak division this season, while the NL West has stepped up as the Group of Death, showcasing three competitive teams.
The Dodgers' $396 million Opening Day payroll is working for their offense, topping league averages with ten players performing above average in wRC+.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto stands out as a top pitcher for the Dodgers, proving effective despite the team's vulnerability due to injuries in the pitching staff.
Despite concerns over player development, the Dodgers remain a dominant force in baseball, though their injury-struck pitching lineup poses a significant challenge.
Read at Pinstripe Alley
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