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Dodgers, NL West Looking to Strong Finish in a Close Division Race
No doubt the NL West race is tight this year, with two games currently separating Diamondbacks, Rockies, and Dodgers. Can LA stay healthy enough to look for a strong finish in close division race?
Losing that series at Colorado really gave leverage to the Rockies; while the Dodgers are in a bit of a losing streak after losing prime closer Kenley Jensen. Now two games separate the Dodgers and Rockies from the NL West leader Arizona Diamondbacks. Let us take a look at each teams remaining schedules and decide a favorite to finish the NL West in first place.
Diamondbacks 66-55 Current NL West Leader
For Arizona, it’s simple because they control their own destiny from this point. They need to prove themselves with 20 games at home, and 16 of those against current playoff and wild card teams! Dback’s have more away games with 22 however, only 11 of those games are at playoff potential teams. Including 7 vs the Rockies and 7 vs the Dodgers!
They control their playoff destiny from here on since the pressure is on them. Significantly more than half of their remaining games are against teams fighting for playoff spots. All but two short series at home are against teams unlikely to play until October. Diamondbacks finish the season with the toughest remaining schedule.
Rockies 64-55 1 GB NL West; 2.5 GB Wild Card
The road for the Rockies is a bit tricky. Sure they are on a slight run, however, they have the most games remaining, and many are against playoff teams. They will be playing 23 games at home with 14 of those games hosting playoff teams. While playing 21 more games on the road and 12 of those against playoff teams. More than half of their games come against very tough and eager competition.
On the other hand, they have more chances to catch hot and roll into the postseason with a bit of momentum. The Rockies are neutral when finishing the season with the second toughest remaining schedule.
LA Dodgers 64-57 1 GB NL West; 2.5 GB Wild Card
Recently the Dodgers have had unfortunate mishaps in their way to success this year. With Kenley Jansen out for some time, the bullpen issues continue. Losing grip to a slim lead, the Dodgers find themselves stuck in neutral in the NL West. If LA has closed out many games that they blew leads late, they would be in first place now; according to Jon Tayler of Sports Illustrated.
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Dodgers have the least amount of games remaining, with 20 games at home and 21 away. 12 games visiting Dback’s, Rockies, and Cardinals. Following with only half of their games at home against those same teams, all fighting for playoff position. Fortunately, their road is the easiest with the least toughest schedule.
They play the least amount of games and fewest against playoff and wild card teams. The big question is if they can stay healthy. Jansen needs to be healthy and in top shape when the Dodgers need him, yet long-term health is always a priority.
Manager Dave Roberts and staff have plans to fine tune their closing pitchers at the moment, announcing starters Kenta Maeda and Ross Stripling to the bullpen. Hoping this should hold off leads and close games. This would give the Dodgers a well-balanced team all around, from start to finish.
Next. Dodgers best waiver trade deadline targets. dark
Finding an answer to the bullpen woes will put the LA Dodgers in a very comfortable position to finish off the season strong. Perhaps leading the NL West yet again, or at least finding themselves in a good place to make a wildcard comeback.