Odds of the Los Angeles Dodgers winning a sixth consecutive National League West title have seemingly faded with each passing day this week, but they nonetheless remain alive to reach the postseason.
As it stands, the Dodgers are in position to face the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Wild Card Game. There remains a remote possibility of catching the Colorado Rockies in the NL West standings, and multiple scenarios that would require a tiebreaker scenario.
Looking ahead to potentially playing a 163rd game of the regular season, the Dodgers skipped over Rich Hill in the weekend series with the San Francisco Giants. Hyun-Jin Ryu started the series opener, Clayton Kershaw takes the mound Saturday, and Walker Buehler is scheduled to pitch Sunday.
However, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts suggested Buehler may not face the Giants in the series finale because of postseason implications, via Ken Gurnick of MLB.com:
“We’ve got some options, but right now we’re not ready to say who and how we’re going to use guys,” said Roberts. “We’ve got to think about every possible option.”
If Buehler does not start Sunday, he would be available if the Dodgers are in position to play the Rockies on Monday to determine an NL West winner. Or, the young righty could also be used in a Wild Card Game or possible play-in for the right to face the Brewers.
Buehler has emerged as a second ace for the Dodgers, which led to the club adjusting their rotation down the stretch of the season to ensure he took the ball against the likes of the Diamondbacks and Rockies when each were atop the NL West at the time of facing the Dodgers.
Regardless of when he next pitches, the outing is taking shape to be the biggest of Buehler’s young career.
