The Los Angeles Dodgers have long voiced their confidence in Walker Buehler, and their words gained further credence in a decision to save the right-hander for a potential Game 163 that would determine this season’s National League West champion.
The Dodgers did their part to get there, routing the San Francisco Giants to complete their first series sweep at AT&T Park since July 25-27, 2014. The Colorado Rockies thumped the Washington Nationals, setting the stage for the NL West showdown.
Heading into the regular season finale, the Dodgers had Buehler penciled to start against the Giants. However, not long after news of the Nationals scratching Max Scherzer, the Dodgers announced Rich Hill would instead take the ball.