SAN DIEGO -- The Giants are prepared to observe the spirit of competition by using their fiercest competitor of all: Madison Bumgarner.
Should the National League West race remain undecided as the regular season's final weekend approaches, Bumgarner could pitch the opener of a three-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday night, Sept. 28, at AT&T Park. The Dodgers entered Monday a half-game behind first-place Colorado in the National League West.
Manager Bruce Bochy and pitching coach Curt Young said that the Giants possibly would insert Casey Kelly for a spot start next Wednesday, Sept. 26, against San Diego, to give Bumgarner sufficient rest if the left-hander is needed.
Traditionally, ballclubs eliminated from postseason consideration suspend their rebuilding efforts for the following year to use their most seasoned and accomplished players in September games that bear postseason implications.
This season, Bumgarner (6-6) moved into third place on the Giants' San Francisco-era (since 1958) all-time victory list behind Hall of Famers Juan Marichal and Gaylord Perry. Bumgarner achieved legendary status by pitching a record 52 2/3 postseason innings in 2014. In 31 career games (30 starts) against Los Angeles, Bumgarner is 15-10 with a 2.61 ERA.