NL West Report: Separation

The trade deadline came and went without a lot of excitement coming from the NL West, just like the division race. There's hasn't been a lot of change in the standings, but two teams have really started to separate from the rest.

TEAM RECAPS:

Diamondbacks (4-3 this week): Arizona started off its week on a high note with a 2-1 victory over Cincinnati on the road. But the Reds bounced back and won the second game of the three-game series 3-0 before the Diamondbacks won the finale.Arizona then went home and hosted the Pirates for a four-game series. The DBacks dominated the Bucs and won three of four including the finale 3-2 in the 10th on a walk-off fielder's choice.

Padres (5-2): This week San Diego started off with a 2-0 loss to Atlanta on the road. The Padres then hosted the Cardinals and won the first two games of the three-game series by a combined score of 15-2. But St. Louis took the finale 6-2. San Diego hosted Atlanta over the weekend and swept the Braves in three games.

Rockies (1-6): Colorado had one of its worst weeks of the season this past week. The Rockies started off by losing back-to-back games to the Cubs on the road before taking game three of the four game series. But Chicago won the finale 3-1. Colorado continued its midwest swing by visiting Detroit and didn't do well. The Rockies were swept by the Tigers and were outscored 19 to 7.

Giants (3-3): It was a roller coast week for San Francisco. The Giants started off at home losing its first two games of the week to the Pirates. But San Fran bounced back and won the series' finale. The Giants had Thursday off and flew to New York for a four-game wraparound series with the Mets. At Citi Field, San Francisco did well, winning two of three to end the week at .500.

Dodgers (4-2): Los Angeles started its week with a day off before hosting Atlanta for a three-game series. Hot off a sweep of the Giants, the Dodgers dominated the Braves and swept them in three games. Los Angeles struggled in its next series though when it hosted Chicago. The two teams split the first two games before the Cubs won the finale 7-3.

WHAT'S IN STORE FOR THESE TEAMS NEXT WEEK:

Diamondbacks: Day off, three at home against the Royals, and three at home against the Rockies

Padres: Day off, two on the road against the Twins, day off, and three on the road against the Pirates

Rockies: Day off, three at home against the Cubs, and three on the road against the Diamondbacks

Giants: One on the road against the Mets, three on the road against the Brewers, and three on the road against the Royals

Dodgers: Two at home against the Angels, two on the road against the Angels, and three on the road against the Brewers

OVERALL PLAYER OF THE WEEK:

Dodgers' outfielder Matt Kemp. The 29-year-old had quite the week. Kemp hit .409 over six games while hitting five homers and knocked in nine runs while scoring six more. His triple slash line was .408/.458/1.091.

BEST INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE:

Padres' first baseman Tommy Medica. On August 1st, Medica had the best night of his young career. The 26-year-old went 5-5 with four runs scored, two homers (both two-run homers), and four runs batted in San Diego blewout Atlanta 10-1.

OVERALL TEAM OF THE WEEK:

The San Diego Padres. This could've also gone to the Dodgers if they didn't lose two of three to the Cubs, but in the end the Padres had the best week. San Diego took two of three from St. Louis and swept Atlanta at home.

WORST INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE:

Rockies' starting pitcher Tyler Matzek. On August 2nd, Matzek struggled against the Tigers. The lefty gave up eight runs (all earned) on 10 hits over four innings as Colorado lost to Detroit 11-5. Matzek struck out two and walked a pair as well while giving up two homers.