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SAN DIEGO -- The last likely contender to Julio Urias' potential start in the National League Division Series appears to have conceded the battle. Los Angeles Dodgers rookie Jose De Leon not only was getting one last look for what could have been an NLDS start, he might have been fighting for a spot on the playoff roster altogether. Neither looks good now after the rookie gave up five runs (three earned) and four hits over 2⅓ innings Wednesday night. The Dodgers fell 6-5 to the San Diego Padres and missed out on a chance at gaining ground on the Washington Nationals in the race for home-field advantage in the NLDS. The Dodgers remain two back with four games to play for each team. Although manager Dave Roberts declined to say De Leon would not be playoff-bound, he sure sounded like somebody who knew which direction the right-hander was headed.  "I think that with Jose, I think it was an outside shot anyway, and nothing is definitive, we haven't made any definitive decisions," Roberts said. "But obviously his last two turns have not been what he has expected. So there is part the experience piece [for playoff-roster consideration], and also how you're pitching. And even if it doesn't happen, it's not a knock on him at all."
De Leon was even out-pitched in Wednesday game by teammate Ross Stripling, who gave up one hard-luck run and two hits over three relief innings. Stripling has been out of the rotation since early September, although he might actually have a better chance of making the playoff roster as a swingman. It could come to pass, though, that neither will be on board for the NLDS. Afterward, De Leon was trying to balance the positive experience with the Dodgers against an outing he felt was below his standards. "It's been a great year, even though it's finishing not the way I wanted it to," the 24-year-old said. "I'm grateful for the opportunity and I'm living my dream. Nothing I can do about that, just keep working hard and hopefully next year is going to be better." It was the first time he got a second look at a team, and the familiarity might have been an issue. De Leon also faced the Padres when he won his major league debut Sept. 4. If that indeed is the end this season, De Leon walks away from his first four major league appearances with 6.35 ERA, but more important 17 valuable major league innings that let him know he can compete at the game's highest level. And it is not as if De Leon lost his chance at a playoff appearance. The story about his first month in the major leagues really is how he forced the Dodgers to consider his playoff worthiness, at least for a while. "It's been a blessing and I will report to spring training next year with more confidence knowing that I have already pitched here," he said. "This year I didn't know what to expect and honestly, I didn't think it would happen this fast."
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