>>34915339Turtwig was Ash's main Pokemon for early DP (first 50 episodes), until he caught Chimchar and Buizel. Then he focused on those 2; he used Chimchar as part of his rivalry with Paul, and he used Buizel for the third and fourth gyms, as well as the Wallace Cup. Both were used against Fantina and Byron.
Even after Turtwig evolved into Grotle, it didn't get that much focus until the episode it learns Rock Climb. Grotle was then used against Candice where it applied Paul's Torterra's battle style to defeat Sneasel, but it then lost to Abomasnow. Chimchar starred in that battle and defeated Abomasnow.
Then we have Ash vs Paul at Lake Verity, where Paul deliberately baited Ash into keeping Grotle in against Honchkrow due to its desire to beat it in a rematch. For added protection, Paul had Electabuzz use Light Screen to minimize Grotle's Energy Ball damage on Honchkrow. Grotle lost in that battle.
Then Grotle wasn't used until Ash's fight against Palmer, where it was able to use a unique power-up (Energy Ball) that increased its attack power and speed. Grotle still lost the battle, though.
Grotle wasn't used until the fight against Volkner's Luxray, which was interrupted. Then Grotle evolved into Torterra and learned Leaf Storm. Torterra was later used against Bertha's Hippowdon, whom it lost to because Bertha tricked Ash into an uncomfortable situation. (She was trying to teach Ash to be more observant to the phenomenon around him.) Torterra was then used against Volkner's Electivire, whom it lost to because Volkner wisely taught it Ice Punch to deal with Ground-types. Pikachu and Infernape starred in that battle.
Then we have the Sinnoh League. Torterra fought Drapion and lost to it due to a type disadvantage. Infernape starred in that battle, with Pikachu, Gliscor, and Buizel also securing wins.
Torterra was simply replaced by Infernape in most of the battles it fought in after it evolved. It even lost in single battles where it fought by itself.
