STL has had an alarmingly poor beginning to the season from its starting rotation. What help is on the way? Plus, more rotation discussions regarding PIT and CIN, Nico Hoerner watch for CHC, and new opportunities in MIL.

Tucupita Marcano flashed his versatility in his brief major-league debut and is a name to remember throughout the season in SD. Plus, yet another versatile player has emerged for LA, sorting out the closer role for ARI, the impending return of Brendan Rodgers in COL, and the thin starting pitching depth in SF.

Craig Kimbrel appears to have turned back the clock in CHC. Plus, Sean Doolittle sees a velocity increase with CIN, Phillip Evans making the most of his time in PIT, Paul DeJong's seat getting warm in STL, and using early-season results to project the MIL rotation going forward.

Just one week into the season, the rotations in ARI and SD may quickly undergo significant change. Plus, an updated battle on the catcher situation in COL, a potential changing of the guard at shortstop in SF, and Kenley Jansen's usage in LA.

What should fantasy managers take away from the first week in the NL Central? Aggressive baserunning for CHC, John Nogowski looking for a long-term home in STL, some prospect speculation in PIT, 3B and OF outlook in MIL, and the new-look infield in CIN.

Despite a poor line, Madison Bumgarner showed signs of a bounceback on Opening Day. Plus, COL keeps fantasy managers guessing, Blake Snell's efficiency problems continue in SD, playing time winners and losers in LA, and trying to interpret SF's opening series with a DH and against primarily left-handed starting pitching.

David Bote has a big chance to start the season in CHC. Plus, other important playing time situations to monitor around the NL Central as Opening Day approaches.

With real baseball around the corner, there are plenty of things to monitor for each NL West team in their opening series of the 2021 season.

Expect the Cardinals to get more aggressive on the basepaths in 2021. Plus, prospects poised to make their debut in CIN, pitch mix changes in PIT, Contreras set for a heavy workload for CHC, and, the shortstop battle in MIL.

Carson Kelly has the playing time runway for a breakout season in ARI. Plus, a closer look at Gabe Kapler's closer management for SF; outfield depth in LA and SD; and the catcher depth chart in COL.

Javier Baez appears to have fallen out of a premium spot in the Cubs' lineup. Plus, first base depth in PIT, CIN, and MIL, and mounting pitcher injuries in STL.