NL West Notebook: Olivera signs with Dodgers, D-backs' Tomas struggles at 3rd
Every Thursday, theScore's MLB editors will bring you a roundup of everything you need to know from around the division with the NL West Notebook.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Dipping in the international pool. The Dodgers inked Cuban infielder Hector Olivera to a six-year contract Tuesday. Los Angeles outbid the Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres, Miami Marlins and New York Yankees for his services. The 29-year-old's best shot to crack the roster this year could be at third base behind Juan Uribe.
The waiting game. Left-hander Hyun-Jin Ryu will start the season on the disabled list due to inflammation in his throwing shoulder. There is currently no timetable for his return to the rotation.
San Diego Padres
Making a push. First baseman/outfielder Tommy Medica is making a serious push to crack the 25-man roster with a blistering spring. He's hitting .500 with four home runs and 11 RBIs entering play Thursday. The Padres have a logjam of outfielders and first basemen, so it'll be an interesting storyline to follow over the next 10 days.
Blister problems. Right-hander Brandon Morrow could have his chances of being the fifth starter derailed by a blister problem. He's been dealing with the issue since March 16 and Odrisamer Despaigne is waiting to pounce at the opportunity.
San Francisco Giants
Cain dealing with soreness. Veteran righty Matt Cain has been dealing with soreness this spring, which isn't good news after he underwent surgery to remove bone chips in August.
The outdoorsman. Madison Bumgarner's new commercial for workwear company Carhartt sheds some light on his offseason routine. The hulking lefty casually cuts down a massive tree and chucks logs like they're nothing into the back of a pickup truck.
Colorado Rockies
Cutting ties. The Rockies surprisingly released former ace Jhoulys Chacin earlier this week. The veteran has been plagued with shoulder problems and was having a miserable spring.
Kick in the groin. More pitching issues for the Rockies: Jorge De La Rosa will likely start the season on the disabled list with a groin problem. This could increase top pitching prospect Jon Gray's chances of cracking the rotation.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Diminishing returns. The D-backs took a huge gamble when they signed Cuban third baseman Yasmany Tomas to a six-year, $68.5-million deal. And now there's a serious problem: he can't play third base to major league standards. Tomas may be limited to outfield duties, creating a logjam in the field for Arizona. He also may begin the campaign in the minors.
Deploying reinforcements. Hurlers Patrick Corbin and David Hernandez both threw bullpen sessions for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery. Hernandez is expected to return in May as a reliever, but Corbin will need to build his stamina as a starter, which means a June return is more likely.