Five Things To Look For In the National League In 2022

After a slight delay, the 2022 MLB season is set to begin so here are five things to look for in the National League this year.

The 2022 MLB season is about to begin.  

That means warmer weather and the sounds of the ball hitting the bat and the pitchers’ fastballs hitting the catcher’s gloves. I’ve identified five things fans can look out for this season in the National League.

1. The New York Mets starting pitching staff is already in trouble.

Their ace, Jacob deGrom is out with a scapula issue. Former Mets pitcher Michael Waca had the same injury and once missed more than two months. Not every shoulder is the same, but the Mets have shut deGrom down for a month. I expect Tylor Megill to be inserted temporarily and he could be a good patch. Max Scherzer has a nagging hamstring injury, not considered serious, but at 37, every injury is worth paying attention to. He will start the second game of the season. Nobody saw this coming before the season began for the Mets.

2. Bryson Stott’s Impact on The Phillies May Be Greater Than Nick Castellanos

The Phillies may have signed Nick Castellanos to ignite the fanbase and give the lineup the extra offensive push they will need this year. But the addition of Bryson Stott to the Opening Day roster is just as important. He may play third base or shortstop his natural position. Either way, they’ve added another bat, a good glove, and additional speed into the lineup. Fans will be happy to see their top prospect.

3. The Atlanta Braves have some worries.

Ronald Acuna Jr. is on the 10-day IL and still recovering from his ACL surgery. He’s missed the spring. It will take him a while to find his form. Freddie Freeman is gone. Nobody thought that would happen. Getting Matt Olson helps to replace his bat but not his fielding and his leadership on and off the field will be missed. Let’s see if the champs can overcome this. It’s their first challenge of the 2022 season.

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4. The Dodgers are gearing up for another World Series run.

The Los Angeles Dodgers got Freeman and he’s thumping the ball already. Recently acquired closer, Craig Kimbrel could be the guy to solidify their bullpen, but he’s not been stellar lately. Manager Dave Roberts picked his team to win the World Series. It’s entirely possible and if they do, these two players will be a reason why.

5. It’s all about the DH

Let’s see if the DH produces more runs on the average or more double play because nobody will bunt and a lot of over the hill or oft-injured players will be taking at-bats in that spot. Pitchers on the whole may not have been great hitters but they all could bunt and you still can’t convince me a runner on second base with one out is a bad thing in any world.

It’s a long, beautiful season ahead. Even if some home openers may get rained out. Don’t let that spoil your optimism for the upcoming season.