SAN FRANCISCO — Nothing comes easily for San Francisco Giants manager Bruce Bochy.
Having finished off the Washington Nationals in four games in the National League Division Series, the Giants earned themselves two extra days off rather than having to fly back across the country for a Game 5.
That is a positive in every regard except one: It means Bochy must choose between staff ace Madison Bumgarner and NLDS Game 1 standout Jake Peavy as his starter in the NL Championship Series opener against the Cardinals in St. Louis on Saturday.
Peavy was in line to pitch the possible Game 5 against the Nationals on Thursday, and the Giants felt good about their chances based on how the veteran dis in their 3-2 win at Washington in the series opener.
However, Peavy started that game only because Bumgarner had to be used in the Giants’ wild-card win over the Pittsburgh Pirates to open the postseason Oct. 1. Bochy started Bumgarner on his usual four days’ rest in Game 3 on Monday.
Bumgarner potentially could pitch again on four days’ rest in the opener against the Cardinals on Saturday. Or he could be held back until Sunday, with a well-rested Peavy getting the ball in the opener.
Something to consider: The Game 2 starter would be in line to pitch a possible Game 6 in St. Louis. Bumgarner had a much better record this season on the road, where he beat the Pirates last week, than at home, where he lost to the Nationals on Monday.