Dodgers use a full 40 in home finale

LOS ANGELES — On a day the Dodgers have a chance to clinch the National League West, it seems fitting that Brandon McCarthy will be activated to start on Sunday against the Rockies.

McCarthy has been on the disabled list for a month, technically with hip stiffness, though it followed a series of three starts that saw him lose the strike zone, walking five batters in three straight starts after never walking more than four in any game before, and never walking more than three since 2009.

The activation of McCarthy gives the Dodgers 40 players on the active roster, the maximum allowed. It seems fitting that the Dodgers will have a full roster when they clinch the division, since depth has been one of their strong points all season.

The Dodgers have used 55 players and 31 pitchers this season, matching franchise records set last season. But they have also overcome 28 different players getting placed on the disabled list, a major league record, and the most games lost due to injury in baseball.

McCarthy is one of 11 different Dodgers pitchers to start at least five games this season, matching 2007 for the most in franchise history.

The Dodgers need either a win or a loss by the Giants, who start 30 minutes later in San Diego, to clinch the division.

A Dodgers win would give them their first-ever four-game sweep of the Rockies.

Game info

Dodgers (89-66) vs. Rockies (73-82)

Time: 1:10 p.m. PT

TV: SportsNet LA, KTLA, MLB Network