Bryan Reynolds made the headlines, but there's another long-term contributor emerging in the PIT outfield. Plus, with Joey Votto still out, who is the playing time winner in CIN? MIL's plans at 2B could change as the season progresses; the impacts of Paul DeJong's return for STL; and, a darkhorse to emerge in the CHC outfield.

SF has shuffled through several options in their rotation early this season, but they have a pair of intriguing reinforcements on the way. Plus, the return of Tatís gives SD lineup flexibility; why Jose Ureña's time in the COL rotation has to be coming to a close; a recent rash of absences gives Michael Busch a chance in LA; and Pavin Smith's sudden re-emergence in ARI.

A hot start in PIT could have the team searching for upgrades at C. Plus, STL seems to be lining up a rotation overhaul; CF options in MIL after Garrett Mitchell's season-ending injury; Eric Hosmer (and Trey Mancini) cling to playing time for CHC; and Jose Barrero could be in the midst of finding a new home in CIN.

Josh Rojas' defensive improvement has earned him playing time early this season. Plus, Wilmer Flores is an early PT loser in SF, James Outman is earning his role in LA, a big shift at 3B in COL, and Luis Campusano is finally going to get a shot in SD.

Andrew Abbott appears to be the next young pitcher to emerge in CIN. Plus, Tyler O'Neill looks like the odd man out in STL; the closer role could be in flux in CHC; Johan Oviedo is claiming his role in the rotation in PIT; plus, pitching depth in MIL.

The SD rotation is set to shift with the impending return of Joe Musgrove. Similarly, the playing time mix in the COL outfield will change with the return of Randal Grichuk. Plus, the suddenly unsettled (again) situation behind the plate in SF, a concerning start for a regular in LA, and players taking advantage of the rule changes in ARI.

CIN has done a good job of restocking their farm system, and it's ready to see some of that talent hit the major leagues. Plus, the Cruz injury has long-term effects in PIT, searching for rotation help in STL, why Christopher Morel could be the next man up in CHC, and Garrett Mitchell's impressive start to the season in MIL.

There are a number of shaky closer situations to monitor in the NL West early this season. Plus, sorting through some injury contingencies in LA; and, what we learned about the DH and outfield hierarchy in SD through the first two series of the new campaign.

MIL platooned it's hitters aggressively during the first series of the season. Who are the winners and losers if that continues? Plus, taking a look at the STL bullpen, some winners and losers in PIT from the first weekend of the regular season, a surprise at 3B for CHC, and, a surprise fill-in at first base for CIN.

Trent Grisham and Ha-Seong Kim look to be potential leadoff hitters to begin the season in SD. Plus, what will SS and CF look like in LA; will COL trust its youth along the left side of the infield; division of playing time in the OF and at C in SF; and, pressure on Alek Thomas in ARI.

There's a second base battle brewing in PIT. Plus, who's in RF and 3B in MIL and CHC; a darkhorse contributor emerging in CIN; and the battle for the final full-time role in STL.