Now that the Dodgers have locked up home-field for the National League playoffs and are on the verge of locking up home field for the entire post-season, it’s time to look ahead to potential NLDS opponents.
The Diamondbacks have already clinched the first wild-card spot in the National League and the second breakdown is still technically up for grabs. However, the Brewers are 2.5 games back of the Rockies with only three games left, so it’s basically the Rockies’ spot barring an epic collapse. Due to that, the opponents talked about here will be the Rockies and the Diamondbacks.
The Dodgers have a losing record against both of their prospective NLDS opponents, although they still do have three games left with the Rockies. Barring a sweep or losing two games against them, they will finish with a losing record against Colorado as they currently are 7-9 against them.
Against Arizona, LA is 8-11. They had early season success against the Diamondbacks, but September has been a rough go against them.
If there is a silver lining, it is that the Diamondbacks threw out their top three starting pitchers in both series, while the Dodgers did not use Kershaw, Darvish or Alex Wood.
To break down which team the Dodgers should want to face in the first round, the lineup, rotation and bullpen of both the Rockies and Diamondbacks will be examined.