The San Francisco Giants traded Andrew McCutchen to the New York Yankees before the Aug. 31 waiver deadline, and it invariably could impact the Los Angeles Dodgers and National League West race.
The Dodgers have overtaken Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies in the standings, but still have a combined nine games remaining against their divisional opponents. Also on the Dodgers’ schedule is a three-game series at AT&T Park to conclude the season.
The weekend series comes on the heels of the Dodgers playing three games at Chase Field.
Considering how the 2018 campaign has unfolded thus far, there’s plenty reason to believe the Dodgers may still be facing the Giants with a chance to clinch a sixth NL West title hanging in the balance.
Along with facing the Dodgers, San Francisco has six games remaining with the Rockies.
At full strength or not, the Giants would love nothing more than to possibly play spoiler for the Dodgers. But already due to be without Buster Posey because of his season-ending hip surgery, removing McCutchen from the Giants further hinders a team that’s struggled.
Moreover, the Dodgers stand plenty to gain from the veteran outfielder no longer playing for their rival. Although McCutchen only had 13 hits in 53 at-bats over 15 games against the Dodgers, four went for extra bases — two doubles and two home runs — leading to eight RBI.
Included in that was a 6-for-7 effort in April that culminated with McCutchen delivering a walk-off three-run home run in the 14th inning. Additionally, he holds a career .840 on-base plus slugging percentage against the Dodgers.
Perhaps it’s no coincidence he’s often found success when facing Los Angeles, as McCutchen named the franchise as one opponent that motivates him most. But for now he’s done playing them, and that should be a positive development for the Dodgers.
