"I think it's being way overblown," he said. "I think if anybody was in the position we were in nine days ago and they asked them to do it, anybody would do the same thing, (if) healthy enough.

"So, I think it's people making a lot of something that isn't that big a deal to me because I feel fine and I'm healthy."

Because Sabathia figures to get a huge payday in free agency after the season, some people have suggested he is jeopardizing his future earnings by pitching on short rest so often.

Sabathia doesn't buy it, and says neither his family or agent are complaining.

"I think everybody who knows me and that's close to me knows how competitive I am," he said. "And if I'm healthy enough and I feel fine enough to pitch, they're not going to tell me not to, because I'm not going to listen to it.

"I don't think of it as a sacrifice. I think if anybody was healthy enough to do it, I think they would do it, if they had a chance to get in the playoffs and win the championship."

PHILLIES 3, BREWERS 1: The Brewers returned to postseason play for the first time in 26 years but forgot to bring their offense with them. They were blanked on two hits over eight innings by LHP Cole Hamels, then had a ninth-inning rally against closer Brad Lidge fall short in Game 1 of the NLDS. RHP Yovani Gallardo, making his second start since returning from a five-month absence with a knee injury, went four innings and allowed all three Philadelphia runs in the third inning. All three runs were unearned because of an error on 2B Rickie Weeks on a bunt play. The Brewers bullpen threw shutout ball over the last four innings, but it was too late.