| 1972-04-15 | @ HOU | 1 | W 5-0 | 1-0 | 3 | 23,021 | Juan Marichal | Don Wilson | Juan Marichal | Don Wilson | Jerry Johnson | 5 | 0 | 5 |
| 1972-04-16 | @ HOU | 2 | W 10-6 | 2-0 | 1 | 10,778 | Sam McDowell | Dave Roberts | Sam McDowell | Dave Roberts | Don McMahon | 15 | 6 | 9 |
| 1972-04-17 | @ HOU | 3 | L 2-7 | 2-1 | 3 | 10,638 | John Cumberland | Larry Dierker | Larry Dierker | John Cumberland | Jim Ray | 17 | 13 | 4 |
| 1972-04-18 | @ SDN | 4 | W 5-1 | 3-1 | 2 | 3,786 | Don Carrithers | Tom Phoebus | Don Carrithers | Tom Phoebus | Jerry Johnson | 22 | 14 | 8 |
| 1972-04-19 | @ SDN | 5 | L 3-4 | 3-2 | 4 | 7,705 | Juan Marichal | Clay Kirby | Mike Caldwell | Juan Marichal | | 25 | 18 | 7 |
| 1972-04-20 | @ SDN | 6 | W 2-1 | 4-2 | 2 | 7,168 | Sam McDowell | Steve Arlin | Sam McDowell | Steve Arlin | Jerry Johnson | 27 | 19 | 8 |
| 1972-04-21 | vs HOU | 7 | L 3-7 | 4-3 | 3 | 16,898 | John Cumberland | Don Wilson | Jim Ray | John Cumberland | George Culver | 30 | 26 | 4 |
| 1972-04-22 | vs HOU | 8 | L 0-6 | 4-4 | 3 | 11,095 | Don Carrithers | Dave Roberts | Dave Roberts | Don Carrithers | | 30 | 32 | -2 |
| 1972-04-23 | vs HOU | 9 | L 7-13 | 4-5 | 4 | 40,821 | Steve Stone | Larry Dierker | George Culver | Don McMahon | Fred Gladding | 37 | 45 | -8 |
| 1972-04-25 | vs PHI | 10 | L 0-3 | 4-6 | 4 | 6,092 | Juan Marichal | Steve Carlton | Steve Carlton | Juan Marichal | | 37 | 48 | -11 |
| 1972-04-26 | vs PHI | 11 | W 8-6 | 5-6 | 3 | 4,139 | Sam McDowell | Bill Champion | Jerry Johnson | Bucky Brandon | | 45 | 54 | -9 |
| 1972-04-27 | vs PHI | 12 | L 6-7 | 5-7 | 3 | 3,671 | John Cumberland | Dick Selma | Wayne Twitchell | Ron Bryant | | 51 | 61 | -10 |
| 1972-04-28 | vs MON | 13 | L 6-8 | 5-8 | 4 | 5,618 | Don Carrithers | Steve Renko | Mike Marshall | Jerry Johnson | | 57 | 69 | -12 |
| 1972-04-29 | vs MON | 14 | L 1-2 | 5-9 | 6 | 5,956 | Steve Stone | Mike Torrez | Mike Torrez | Steve Stone | | 58 | 71 | -13 |
| 1972-04-30 | vs MON | 15 | L 2-5 | 6-10 | 5 | 0 | Juan Marichal | Carl Morton | Carl Morton | Juan Marichal | Mike Marshall | 60 | 76 | -16 |
| 1972-04-30 | vs MON | 16 | W 13-2 | 6-10 | 5 | 16,440 | Sam McDowell | Bill Stoneman | Sam McDowell | Bill Stoneman | | 73 | 78 | -5 |
| 1972-05-01 | vs NYN | 17 | L 4-7 | 6-11 | 5 | 3,855 | John Cumberland | Tom Seaver | Tom Seaver | John Cumberland | Tug McGraw | 77 | 85 | -8 |
| 1972-05-02 | vs NYN | 18 | L 2-4 | 6-12 | 6 | 6,570 | Don Carrithers | Gary Gentry | Gary Gentry | Don Carrithers | | 79 | 89 | -10 |
| 1972-05-03 | vs NYN | 19 | L 5-8 | 6-13 | 6 | 4,123 | Steve Stone | Jon Matlack | Jon Matlack | Steve Stone | Tug McGraw | 84 | 97 | -13 |
| 1972-05-05 | @ PHI | 20 | L 2-3 | 6-14 | 6 | 22,161 | Juan Marichal | Bill Champion | Bill Champion | Juan Marichal | | 86 | 100 | -14 |
| 1972-05-06 | @ PHI | 21 | W 3-1 | 7-14 | 6 | 14,010 | Sam McDowell | Dick Selma | Sam McDowell | Dick Selma | | 89 | 101 | -12 |
| 1972-05-07 | @ PHI | 22 | L 3-8 | 7-15 | 6 | 44,880 | Ron Bryant | Steve Carlton | Steve Carlton | Ron Bryant | | 92 | 109 | -17 |
| 1972-05-09 | @ MON | 23 | L 1-7 | 7-16 | 6 | 9,004 | Juan Marichal | Mike Torrez | Mike Torrez | Juan Marichal | | 93 | 116 | -23 |
| 1972-05-10 | @ MON | 24 | W 7-3 | 8-16 | 6 | 11,031 | Sam McDowell | Bill Stoneman | Sam McDowell | Bill Stoneman | | 100 | 119 | -19 |
| 1972-05-11 | @ MON | 25 | W 6-2 | 9-16 | 6 | 7,161 | Ron Bryant | Steve Renko | Ron Bryant | Steve Renko | | 106 | 121 | -15 |
| 1972-05-12 | @ NYN | 26 | L 1-2 | 9-17 | 6 | 44,271 | Steve Stone | Gary Gentry | Danny Frisella | Jerry Johnson | | 107 | 123 | -16 |
| 1972-05-13 | @ NYN | 27 | L 0-1 | 9-18 | 6 | 35,780 | Juan Marichal | Buzz Capra | Buzz Capra | Juan Marichal | Tug McGraw | 107 | 124 | -17 |
| 1972-05-14 | @ NYN | 28 | L 4-5 | 9-19 | 6 | 35,505 | Sam McDowell | Ray Sadecki | Ray Sadecki | Don Carrithers | Jim McAndrew | 111 | 129 | -18 |
| 1972-05-16 | vs CIN | 29 | L 3-4 | 9-21 | 6 | 0 | Ron Bryant | Gary Nolan | Gary Nolan | Ron Bryant | Clay Carroll | 114 | 133 | -19 |
| 1972-05-16 | vs CIN | 30 | L 0-2 | 9-21 | 6 | 7,571 | Steve Stone | Jack Billingham | Jack Billingham | Steve Stone | | 114 | 135 | -21 |
| 1972-05-17 | vs CIN | 31 | L 1-2 | 9-22 | 6 | 2,670 | Juan Marichal | Ross Grimsley | Ross Grimsley | Juan Marichal | Clay Carroll | 115 | 137 | -22 |
| 1972-05-18 | vs CIN | 32 | L 5-8 | 9-23 | 6 | 2,847 | Sam McDowell | Wayne Simpson | Pedro Borbon | Sam McDowell | Clay Carroll | 120 | 145 | -25 |
| 1972-05-19 | vs ATL | 33 | W 7-6 | 10-23 | 6 | 6,652 | John Cumberland | Phil Niekro | Jerry Johnson | Phil Niekro | Don McMahon | 127 | 151 | -24 |
| 1972-05-20 | vs ATL | 34 | L 2-3 | 10-24 | 6 | 9,735 | Steve Stone | Tom Kelley | Tom Kelley | Steve Stone | Cecil Upshaw | 129 | 154 | -25 |
| 1972-05-21 | vs ATL | 35 | L 4-6 | 11-25 | 6 | 0 | Juan Marichal | Ron Schueler | Jim Nash | Jim Barr | | 133 | 160 | -27 |
| 1972-05-21 | vs ATL | 36 | W 2-1 | 11-25 | 6 | 22,688 | Ron Bryant | Ron Reed | Ron Bryant | Ron Reed | Don Carrithers | 135 | 161 | -26 |
| 1972-05-22 | @ LAN | 37 | W 9-8 | 12-25 | 6 | 23,086 | Sam McDowell | Tommy John | Sam McDowell | Mike Strahler | Jim Barr | 144 | 169 | -25 |
| 1972-05-23 | @ LAN | 38 | L 5-8 | 12-26 | 6 | 25,562 | John Cumberland | Don Sutton | Don Sutton | John Cumberland | | 149 | 177 | -28 |
| 1972-05-24 | @ LAN | 39 | W 1-0 | 13-26 | 6 | 26,299 | Steve Stone | Claude Osteen | Steve Stone | Claude Osteen | | 150 | 177 | -27 |
| 1972-05-26 | @ ATL | 40 | L 4-9 | 13-27 | 6 | 10,903 | Juan Marichal | Ron Reed | Ron Reed | Juan Marichal | | 154 | 186 | -32 |
| 1972-05-27 | @ ATL | 41 | W 11-9 | 14-27 | 6 | 10,168 | Sam McDowell | Phil Niekro | Jerry Johnson | George Stone | Don McMahon | 165 | 195 | -30 |
| 1972-05-28 | @ ATL | 42 | W 3-2 | 15-28 | 6 | 0 | Steve Stone | Ron Schueler | Steve Stone | Ron Schueler | | 168 | 197 | -29 |
| 1972-05-28 | @ ATL | 43 | L 6-7 | 15-28 | 6 | 26,848 | Ron Bryant | Tom Kelley | Pat Jarvis | Jim Barr | | 174 | 204 | -30 |
| 1972-05-29 | vs LAN | 44 | L 2-5 | 15-29 | 6 | 21,583 | Charlie Williams | Don Sutton | Don Sutton | Charlie Williams | Jim Brewer | 176 | 209 | -33 |
| 1972-05-30 | vs LAN | 45 | L 3-5 | 15-30 | 6 | 10,098 | Sam McDowell | Claude Osteen | Claude Osteen | Sam McDowell | Pete Mikkelsen | 179 | 214 | -35 |
| 1972-05-31 | vs LAN | 46 | L 4-5 | 15-31 | 6 | 6,881 | Ron Bryant | Al Downing | Jim Brewer | Don McMahon | | 183 | 219 | -36 |
| 1972-06-01 | vs LAN | 47 | W 5-2 | 16-31 | 6 | 9,855 | Steve Stone | Bill Singer | Steve Stone | Bill Singer | | 188 | 221 | -33 |
| 1972-06-02 | vs PIT | 48 | W 7-4 | 17-31 | 6 | 6,669 | Juan Marichal | Bob Johnson | Juan Marichal | Bob Johnson | | 195 | 225 | -30 |
| 1972-06-03 | vs PIT | 49 | L 3-4 | 17-32 | 6 | 11,216 | Sam McDowell | Steve Blass | Steve Blass | Sam McDowell | Dave Giusti | 198 | 229 | -31 |
| 1972-06-04 | vs PIT | 50 | L 3-4 | 17-34 | 6 | 0 | Ron Bryant | Luke Walker | Bob Miller | Jerry Johnson | Dave Giusti | 201 | 233 | -32 |
| 1972-06-04 | vs PIT | 51 | L 1-9 | 17-34 | 6 | 19,929 | Charlie Williams | Bruce Kison | Bruce Kison | Charlie Williams | | 202 | 242 | -40 |
| 1972-06-06 | vs SLN | 52 | L 3-5 | 17-35 | 6 | 3,813 | Steve Stone | Rick Wise | Rick Wise | Steve Stone | | 205 | 247 | -42 |
| 1972-06-07 | vs SLN | 53 | L 0-6 | 17-36 | 6 | 2,718 | Juan Marichal | Reggie Cleveland | Reggie Cleveland | Juan Marichal | | 205 | 253 | -48 |
| 1972-06-08 | vs SLN | 54 | L 4-6 | 17-37 | 6 | 2,410 | Sam McDowell | Scipio Spinks | Diego Segui | Sam McDowell | | 209 | 259 | -50 |
| 1972-06-10 | vs CHN | 55 | L 2-4 | 17-38 | 6 | 5,264 | Steve Stone | Fergie Jenkins | Fergie Jenkins | Steve Stone | | 211 | 263 | -52 |
| 1972-06-11 | vs CHN | 56 | L 0-4 | 18-39 | 6 | 0 | Juan Marichal | Bill Hands | Bill Hands | Juan Marichal | | 211 | 267 | -56 |
| 1972-06-11 | vs CHN | 57 | W 3-1 | 18-39 | 6 | 21,729 | Ron Bryant | Burt Hooton | Ron Bryant | Tom Phoebus | | 214 | 268 | -54 |
| 1972-06-14 | @ PIT | 58 | W 3-1 | 19-39 | 6 | 14,552 | Sam McDowell | Dock Ellis | Sam McDowell | Dock Ellis | | 217 | 269 | -52 |
| 1972-06-15 | @ PIT | 59 | L 1-4 | 19-41 | 6 | 0 | Steve Stone | Nelson Briles | Nelson Briles | Steve Stone | Dave Giusti | 218 | 273 | -55 |
| 1972-06-15 | @ PIT | 60 | L 7-9 | 19-41 | 6 | 21,126 | Ron Bryant | Bob Moose | Bob Moose | Ron Bryant | Ramon Hernandez | 225 | 282 | -57 |
| 1972-06-16 | @ SLN | 61 | W 6-1 | 20-41 | 5 | 20,913 | Don Carrithers | Rick Wise | Don Carrithers | Rick Wise | | 231 | 283 | -52 |
| 1972-06-17 | @ SLN | 62 | L 3-4 | 20-42 | 6 | 28,202 | Ron Bryant | Reggie Cleveland | Joe Grzenda | Jerry Johnson | | 234 | 287 | -53 |
| 1972-06-18 | @ SLN | 63 | W 8-2 | 21-42 | 6 | 19,957 | Sam McDowell | Scipio Spinks | Sam McDowell | Scipio Spinks | Randy Moffitt | 242 | 289 | -47 |
| 1972-06-19 | @ CHN | 64 | L 6-7 | 21-43 | 6 | 17,918 | Steve Stone | Bill Hands | Jack Aker | Jerry Johnson | | 248 | 296 | -48 |
| 1972-06-20 | @ CHN | 65 | L 8-15 | 21-44 | 6 | 18,978 | Don Carrithers | Burt Hooton | Rick Reuschel | Don Carrithers | | 256 | 311 | -55 |
| 1972-06-21 | @ CHN | 66 | W 4-0 | 22-44 | 6 | 19,539 | Ron Bryant | Milt Pappas | Ron Bryant | Milt Pappas | | 260 | 311 | -51 |
| 1972-06-23 | @ SDN | 67 | L 1-4 | 22-45 | 6 | 21,319 | Sam McDowell | Steve Arlin | Steve Arlin | Sam McDowell | | 261 | 315 | -54 |
| 1972-06-24 | @ SDN | 68 | W 7-4 | 23-45 | 6 | 11,129 | Don Carrithers | Bill Greif | Jerry Johnson | Ed Acosta | Don McMahon | 268 | 319 | -51 |
| 1972-06-25 | @ SDN | 69 | W 6-5 | 24-45 | 5 | 6,523 | Jim Barr | Fred Norman | Don McMahon | Mike Caldwell | | 274 | 324 | -50 |
| 1972-06-26 | vs ATL | 70 | W 3-0 | 25-45 | 5 | 2,871 | Ron Bryant | Ron Reed | Ron Bryant | Ron Reed | | 277 | 324 | -47 |
| 1972-06-27 | vs ATL | 71 | W 3-2 | 26-45 | 5 | 5,116 | Sam McDowell | Phil Niekro | Jerry Johnson | Cecil Upshaw | | 280 | 326 | -46 |
| 1972-06-28 | vs CIN | 72 | L 2-4 | 26-46 | 5 | 5,828 | Don Carrithers | Ross Grimsley | Ross Grimsley | Don Carrithers | Tom Hall | 282 | 330 | -48 |
| 1972-06-29 | vs CIN | 73 | W 3-2 | 27-46 | 5 | 6,337 | Jim Barr | Jack Billingham | Jim Barr | Jack Billingham | | 285 | 332 | -47 |
| 1972-06-30 | vs LAN | 74 | W 8-4 | 28-46 | 5 | 15,931 | Ron Bryant | Claude Osteen | Ron Bryant | Claude Osteen | | 293 | 336 | -43 |
| 1972-07-01 | vs LAN | 75 | W 8-5 | 29-46 | 5 | 13,872 | Sam McDowell | Al Downing | Randy Moffitt | Al Downing | | 301 | 341 | -40 |
| 1972-07-02 | vs LAN | 76 | W 9-3 | 30-46 | 5 | 23,285 | Juan Marichal | Don Sutton | Don McMahon | Don Sutton | Jerry Johnson | 310 | 344 | -34 |
| 1972-07-03 | @ PHI | 77 | L 2-4 | 30-47 | 5 | 43,016 | Don Carrithers | Steve Carlton | Steve Carlton | Don Carrithers | | 312 | 348 | -36 |
| 1972-07-04 | @ PHI | 78 | W 2-1 | 31-47 | 5 | 6,098 | Jim Barr | Bill Champion | Jim Barr | Bill Champion | | 314 | 349 | -35 |
| 1972-07-06 | @ PHI | 79 | W 6-4 | 32-47 | 5 | 5,466 | Ron Bryant | Ken Reynolds | Jerry Johnson | Woodie Fryman | | 320 | 353 | -33 |
| 1972-07-07 | @ MON | 80 | L 2-7 | 32-48 | 5 | 16,107 | Sam McDowell | Bill Stoneman | Bill Stoneman | Sam McDowell | | 322 | 360 | -38 |
| 1972-07-08 | @ MON | 81 | W 12-1 | 33-48 | 5 | 17,522 | Juan Marichal | Ernie McAnally | Juan Marichal | Ernie McAnally | Jerry Johnson | 334 | 361 | -27 |
| 1972-07-09 | @ MON | 82 | W 5-1 | 34-48 | 5 | 18,633 | Steve Stone | Carl Morton | Steve Stone | Carl Morton | Randy Moffitt | 339 | 362 | -23 |
| 1972-07-10 | @ NYN | 83 | W 5-4 | 35-48 | 5 | 33,000 | Jim Barr | Gary Gentry | Don McMahon | Tug McGraw | | 344 | 366 | -22 |
| 1972-07-11 | @ NYN | 84 | W 6-1 | 36-48 | 5 | 39,314 | Ron Bryant | Jerry Koosman | Ron Bryant | Jerry Koosman | | 350 | 367 | -17 |
| 1972-07-12 | @ NYN | 85 | L 0-4 | 36-49 | 5 | 33,227 | Sam McDowell | Jon Matlack | Jon Matlack | Sam McDowell | | 350 | 371 | -21 |
| 1972-07-14 | vs PHI | 86 | W 8-1 | 37-49 | 5 | 0 | Juan Marichal | Ken Reynolds | Juan Marichal | Ken Reynolds | Randy Moffitt | 358 | 372 | -14 |
| 1972-07-15 | vs PHI | 87 | L 4-11 | 37-50 | 5 | 5,984 | Frank Reberger | Steve Carlton | Bucky Brandon | Don McMahon | Dick Selma | 362 | 383 | -21 |
| 1972-07-16 | vs PHI | 88 | W 10-7 | 38-50 | 5 | 16,299 | Jim Barr | Woodie Fryman | Jim Barr | Woodie Fryman | | 372 | 390 | -18 |
| 1972-07-18 | vs MON | 89 | W 3-0 | 39-50 | 5 | 4,908 | Ron Bryant | Balor Moore | Ron Bryant | Balor Moore | | 375 | 390 | -15 |
| 1972-07-19 | vs MON | 90 | L 2-3 | 39-51 | 5 | 4,656 | Juan Marichal | Mike Torrez | Mike Torrez | Randy Moffitt | Mike Marshall | 377 | 393 | -16 |
| 1972-07-21 | vs NYN | 91 | L 1-3 | 39-52 | 5 | 18,117 | Jim Barr | Jerry Koosman | Jerry Koosman | Jim Barr | Tug McGraw | 378 | 396 | -18 |
| 1972-07-22 | vs NYN | 92 | W 2-1 | 40-52 | 5 | 18,703 | Frank Reberger | Jon Matlack | Frank Reberger | Danny Frisella | | 380 | 397 | -17 |
| 1972-07-23 | vs NYN | 93 | W 5-2 | 41-52 | 5 | 26,257 | Ron Bryant | Tom Seaver | Ron Bryant | Tom Seaver | | 385 | 399 | -14 |
| 1972-07-28 | @ ATL | 94 | L 3-4 | 41-53 | 5 | 10,333 | Ron Bryant | Ron Schueler | Ron Schueler | Ron Bryant | Denny McLain | 388 | 403 | -15 |
| 1972-07-29 | @ ATL | 95 | W 5-2 | 42-53 | 5 | 8,913 | Frank Reberger | Phil Niekro | Frank Reberger | Phil Niekro | Jerry Johnson | 393 | 405 | -12 |
| 1972-07-30 | @ CIN | 96 | L 0-4 | 43-54 | 5 | 0 | Juan Marichal | Ross Grimsley | Ross Grimsley | Juan Marichal | | 393 | 409 | -16 |
| 1972-07-30 | @ CIN | 97 | W 6-1 | 43-54 | 5 | 48,351 | Jim Barr | Tom Hall | Jim Barr | Clay Carroll | | 399 | 410 | -11 |
| 1972-07-31 | @ CIN | 98 | W 7-2 | 44-54 | 5 | 18,458 | Don Carrithers | Jack Billingham | Don Carrithers | Jack Billingham | | 406 | 412 | -6 |
| 1972-08-01 | @ LAN | 99 | W 4-3 | 45-54 | 5 | 23,918 | Ron Bryant | Al Downing | Jerry Johnson | Jim Brewer | | 410 | 415 | -5 |
| 1972-08-02 | @ LAN | 100 | L 11-12 | 45-55 | 5 | 24,193 | Steve Stone | Don Sutton | Pete Mikkelsen | Jim Barr | | 421 | 427 | -6 |
| 1972-08-03 | @ LAN | 101 | L 0-3 | 45-56 | 5 | 25,070 | Frank Reberger | Tommy John | Tommy John | Frank Reberger | | 421 | 430 | -9 |
| 1972-08-04 | vs HOU | 102 | L 1-6 | 45-57 | 5 | 6,331 | Juan Marichal | Jerry Reuss | Jerry Reuss | Juan Marichal | Fred Gladding | 422 | 436 | -14 |
| 1972-08-05 | vs HOU | 103 | L 3-4 | 45-58 | 5 | 8,081 | Don Carrithers | Dave Roberts | Jim Ray | Don Carrithers | Fred Gladding | 425 | 440 | -15 |
| 1972-08-06 | vs HOU | 104 | L 3-7 | 46-59 | 5 | 0 | Jim Barr | Larry Dierker | Larry Dierker | Jim Barr | Jim Ray | 428 | 447 | -19 |
| 1972-08-06 | vs HOU | 105 | W 6-2 | 46-59 | 5 | 16,478 | Jim Willoughby | Tom Griffin | Jim Willoughby | Tom Griffin | | 434 | 449 | -15 |
| 1972-08-08 | vs SDN | 106 | W 15-4 | 48-59 | 5 | 0 | Frank Reberger | Steve Arlin | Frank Reberger | Mike Corkins | | 449 | 453 | -4 |
| 1972-08-08 | vs SDN | 107 | W 7-3 | 48-59 | 5 | 7,389 | Steve Stone | Bill Greif | Steve Stone | Bill Greif | Jerry Johnson | 456 | 456 | 0 |
| 1972-08-09 | vs SDN | 108 | L 2-5 | 48-60 | 5 | 4,229 | Juan Marichal | Clay Kirby | Clay Kirby | Juan Marichal | Fred Norman | 458 | 461 | -3 |
| 1972-08-11 | @ HOU | 109 | L 3-6 | 48-61 | 5 | 23,145 | Don Carrithers | Larry Dierker | Larry Dierker | Don Carrithers | | 461 | 467 | -6 |
| 1972-08-12 | @ HOU | 110 | L 1-3 | 48-62 | 5 | 28,296 | Jim Barr | Don Wilson | Don Wilson | Jim Barr | | 462 | 470 | -8 |
| 1972-08-13 | @ HOU | 111 | W 4-3 | 49-62 | 5 | 25,475 | Jim Willoughby | Jerry Reuss | Jim Willoughby | Jerry Reuss | | 466 | 473 | -7 |
| 1972-08-14 | @ HOU | 112 | L 5-7 | 49-63 | 5 | 19,451 | Frank Reberger | Dave Roberts | J.R. Richard | Steve Stone | Fred Gladding | 471 | 480 | -9 |
| 1972-08-15 | vs CHN | 113 | W 7-5 | 50-63 | 5 | 6,116 | Juan Marichal | Bill Hands | Juan Marichal | Bill Hands | Don McMahon | 478 | 485 | -7 |
| 1972-08-16 | vs CHN | 114 | W 14-9 | 51-63 | 5 | 5,566 | Don Carrithers | Rick Reuschel | Don Carrithers | Rick Reuschel | Randy Moffitt | 492 | 494 | -2 |
| 1972-08-17 | vs CHN | 115 | L 1-2 | 51-64 | 5 | 5,527 | Jim Barr | Milt Pappas | Milt Pappas | Jim Barr | Jack Aker | 493 | 496 | -3 |
| 1972-08-18 | vs SLN | 116 | L 1-3 | 51-65 | 5 | 6,292 | Jim Willoughby | Don Durham | Don Durham | Jim Willoughby | Diego Segui | 494 | 499 | -5 |
| 1972-08-19 | vs SLN | 117 | L 4-7 | 51-66 | 5 | 11,256 | Frank Reberger | Al Santorini | John Cumberland | Frank Reberger | | 498 | 506 | -8 |
| 1972-08-20 | vs SLN | 118 | W 5-3 | 52-66 | 5 | 10,269 | Ron Bryant | Reggie Cleveland | Ron Bryant | Reggie Cleveland | Jim Barr | 503 | 509 | -6 |
| 1972-08-22 | vs PIT | 119 | L 0-1 | 52-67 | 5 | 9,389 | Juan Marichal | Nelson Briles | Nelson Briles | Juan Marichal | | 503 | 510 | -7 |
| 1972-08-23 | vs PIT | 120 | W 8-0 | 53-67 | 5 | 8,330 | Jim Barr | Bob Moose | Jim Barr | Bob Moose | | 511 | 510 | 1 |
| 1972-08-25 | @ CHN | 121 | W 11-2 | 54-67 | 5 | 23,056 | Jim Willoughby | Rick Reuschel | Jim Willoughby | Rick Reuschel | | 522 | 512 | 10 |
| 1972-08-26 | @ CHN | 122 | L 9-10 | 54-68 | 5 | 18,830 | Ron Bryant | Fergie Jenkins | Jack Aker | Randy Moffitt | | 531 | 522 | 9 |
| 1972-08-27 | @ CHN | 123 | L 3-9 | 54-69 | 5 | 23,386 | Frank Reberger | Bill Hands | Burt Hooton | Frank Reberger | | 534 | 531 | 3 |
| 1972-08-28 | @ SLN | 124 | L 2-4 | 54-70 | 5 | 11,373 | Juan Marichal | Don Durham | Don Durham | Juan Marichal | | 536 | 535 | 1 |
| 1972-08-29 | @ SLN | 125 | W 3-0 | 55-70 | 5 | 9,002 | Jim Barr | Reggie Cleveland | Jim Barr | Reggie Cleveland | | 539 | 535 | 4 |
| 1972-08-30 | @ SLN | 126 | W 3-2 | 56-70 | 5 | 10,201 | Jim Willoughby | Bob Gibson | Jim Willoughby | Bob Gibson | | 542 | 537 | 5 |
| 1972-09-01 | @ PIT | 127 | L 6-10 | 56-71 | 5 | 20,678 | Ron Bryant | Dock Ellis | Dock Ellis | Ron Bryant | Dave Giusti | 548 | 547 | 1 |
| 1972-09-02 | @ PIT | 128 | L 3-6 | 56-72 | 5 | 14,194 | Sam McDowell | Nelson Briles | Nelson Briles | Sam McDowell | | 551 | 553 | -2 |
| 1972-09-03 | @ PIT | 129 | L 1-2 | 56-73 | 5 | 16,760 | Jim Barr | Bob Moose | Dave Giusti | Jerry Johnson | | 552 | 555 | -3 |
| 1972-09-04 | @ SDN | 130 | L 0-1 | 56-74 | 5 | 9,880 | Jim Willoughby | Mike Corkins | Mike Corkins | Jim Willoughby | Gary Ross | 552 | 556 | -4 |
| 1972-09-05 | @ SDN | 131 | W 4-3 | 57-74 | 5 | 2,330 | Frank Reberger | Steve Arlin | Jerry Johnson | Al Severinsen | | 556 | 559 | -3 |
| 1972-09-06 | @ SDN | 132 | W 6-0 | 58-74 | 5 | 2,871 | Ron Bryant | Bill Greif | Ron Bryant | Bill Greif | | 562 | 559 | 3 |
| 1972-09-07 | vs HOU | 133 | L 1-5 | 58-75 | 5 | 2,427 | Sam McDowell | Don Wilson | Don Wilson | Randy Moffitt | | 563 | 564 | -1 |
| 1972-09-08 | vs HOU | 134 | L 3-5 | 58-76 | 5 | 3,406 | Jim Barr | Larry Dierker | Larry Dierker | Jim Barr | Dave Roberts | 566 | 569 | -3 |
| 1972-09-09 | vs CIN | 135 | W 2-1 | 59-76 | 5 | 6,199 | Jim Willoughby | Don Gullett | Jim Willoughby | Don Gullett | | 568 | 570 | -2 |
| 1972-09-10 | vs CIN | 136 | L 7-8 | 60-77 | 5 | 0 | Frank Reberger | Ross Grimsley | Tom Hall | Randy Moffitt | Clay Carroll | 575 | 578 | -3 |
| 1972-09-10 | vs CIN | 137 | W 8-2 | 60-77 | 5 | 13,584 | Juan Marichal | Jim McGlothlin | Juan Marichal | Jim McGlothlin | Jerry Johnson | 583 | 580 | 3 |
| 1972-09-12 | vs LAN | 138 | W 3-2 | 61-77 | 5 | 5,507 | Ron Bryant | Tommy John | Ron Bryant | Jim Brewer | | 586 | 582 | 4 |
| 1972-09-13 | vs LAN | 139 | W 7-1 | 62-77 | 5 | 4,340 | Jim Barr | Bill Singer | Jim Barr | Bill Singer | | 593 | 583 | 10 |
| 1972-09-16 | @ ATL | 140 | W 8-5 | 63-78 | 5 | 0 | Jim Willoughby | Ron Reed | Jim Willoughby | Ron Reed | | 601 | 588 | 13 |
| 1972-09-16 | @ ATL | 141 | L 2-5 | 63-78 | 5 | 5,461 | Frank Reberger | Phil Niekro | Phil Niekro | Frank Reberger | | 603 | 593 | 10 |
| 1972-09-17 | @ ATL | 142 | L 4-7 | 63-79 | 5 | 7,130 | Ron Bryant | Jimmy Freeman | Jim Hardin | Randy Moffitt | Tom House | 607 | 600 | 7 |
| 1972-09-18 | @ CIN | 143 | L 0-2 | 63-80 | 5 | 8,608 | Jim Barr | Jim McGlothlin | Jim McGlothlin | Jim Barr | Clay Carroll | 607 | 602 | 5 |
| 1972-09-19 | @ CIN | 144 | L 4-5 | 63-81 | 5 | 10,353 | Sam McDowell | Jack Billingham | Pedro Borbon | Juan Marichal | Clay Carroll | 611 | 607 | 4 |
| 1972-09-20 | @ CIN | 145 | L 6-8 | 63-82 | 5 | 11,174 | Don Carrithers | Don Gullett | Tom Hall | Elias Sosa | Clay Carroll | 617 | 615 | 2 |
| 1972-09-22 | @ LAN | 146 | L 0-1 | 63-83 | 5 | 20,622 | Jim Willoughby | Don Sutton | Don Sutton | Jim Willoughby | | 617 | 616 | 1 |
| 1972-09-23 | @ LAN | 147 | L 4-7 | 63-84 | 5 | 15,017 | Ron Bryant | Tommy John | Doug Rau | Ron Bryant | | 621 | 623 | -2 |
| 1972-09-24 | @ LAN | 148 | L 0-7 | 63-85 | 5 | 19,222 | Jim Barr | Al Downing | Al Downing | Jim Barr | | 621 | 630 | -9 |
| 1972-09-26 | @ HOU | 149 | W 5-2 | 64-85 | 5 | 4,933 | Sam McDowell | Jerry Reuss | Sam McDowell | Jerry Reuss | Elias Sosa | 626 | 632 | -6 |
| 1972-09-27 | @ HOU | 150 | L 0-3 | 64-86 | 5 | 6,223 | Jim Willoughby | Don Wilson | Don Wilson | Jim Willoughby | | 626 | 635 | -9 |
| 1972-09-29 | vs ATL | 151 | W 14-3 | 65-86 | 5 | 3,042 | Ron Bryant | Jimmy Freeman | Ron Bryant | Jimmy Freeman | | 640 | 638 | 2 |
| 1972-09-30 | vs ATL | 152 | W 3-1 | 66-86 | 5 | 4,238 | Jim Barr | Mike McQueen | Jim Barr | Mike McQueen | | 643 | 639 | 4 |
| 1972-10-01 | vs ATL | 153 | W 6-2 | 67-86 | 5 | 17,872 | Sam McDowell | George Stone | Sam McDowell | George Stone | Elias Sosa | 649 | 641 | 8 |
| 1972-10-03 | vs SDN | 154 | W 7-4 | 68-86 | 5 | 1,755 | Jim Willoughby | Mike Caldwell | Steve Stone | Mike Caldwell | | 656 | 645 | 11 |
| 1972-10-04 | vs SDN | 155 | W 6-4 | 69-86 | 5 | 1,578 | Ron Bryant | Fred Norman | Ron Bryant | Fred Norman | Elias Sosa | 662 | 649 | 13 |