Dodgers Vs. D-Backs Preview: Dan Haren Faces Former Team

After dropping two of three against the Washington Nationals, the Los Angeles Dodgers play host to the Arizona Diamondbacks for a weekend series. The Dodgers come in holding a two-game lead over the San Francisco Giants in the National League West standings.

Dan Haren takes the mound looking to pick up his 12th win of the season. He’s faced the Diamondbacks four times already this season and comes in with a 3-1 record against them. In the four games, Haren has a 4.26 ERA, but has shown excellent control by only issuing one walk.

Starting opposite Haren is Vidal Nuno, who is making his first appearance against the Dodgers. Since being acquired from the New York Yankees in July, Nuno has failed to register win; he’s 0-4 in 10 starts since being traded.

The Diamondbacks couldn’t give Nuno any run support in his last outing as the Colorado Rockies shut them out 2-0.

Facing a lefty, manager Don Mattingly sits Dee Gordon and Carl Crawford. Justin Turner gets the start at second base and Scott Van Slyke is in left field. Yasiel Puig returns to the Dodgers lineup and Joc Pederson is back on the bench.

With Gordon out, Puig bats in the leadoff spot as he tries to put an end to his recent slump. In his last 10 games, he is only hitting .108 and has struck out 11 times.

Dodgers Lineup

CF: Puig

SS: Ramirez

1B: Gonzalez

RF: Kemp

LF: Van Slyke

2B: Turner

3B: Uribe

C: Ellis

P: Haren

Diamondbacks Lineup

LF: Inciarte

2B: Owings

RF: Peralta

1B: Trumbo

C: Montero

CF: Pollack

3B: Lamb

SS: Gregorius

P: Nuno
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