Series Preview: Padres Head to LA to Face Dodgers

Aug 11, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez (23) singles to drive in a run against the Atlanta Braves during the sixth inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Series Preview

The Padres (58-65) head to Los Angeles to face the West-leading Dodgers (70-56). The Dodgers were recently swept at home by the Brewers. The Padres are coming off of a tough series loss to the Cardinals. These two teams have met 10 times this year and the Dodgers have won six of those games.

The Dodgers made a little flurry of moves since the last time these two teams met. Most notably, the Dodgers acquired former Padre Kevin Correia from the Twins. This is to make up for the considerable number of starting pitchers on the disabled list. Josh Beckett, Paul Maholm, Chad Billingsley and Hyun-Jin Ryu are all on the shelf for Los Angeles. Two key infielders for the Dodgers are also hurt. Hanley Ramirez has battled injuries nearly all year and will not be back for at least a few weeks. Juan Uribe is also on the disabled list with a hamstring injury.

The Padres are also banged up. Yonder Alonso is now shelved for the year. Everth Cabrera is still battling hamstring issues and ace Andrew Cashner is still rehabbing. He may return later this weekend or next week some time. There are still plenty of players to watch on both sides that can turn the tides in this series.