The Dodgers make the first road trip of the season this week, heading to Arizona for a three game series. The winner of tonight’s 6:40pm game will earn sole possession of first place in the NL West.
The Dbacks will throw Dan Haren for his first start at Chase Field with Arizona. He has one win on one game against the Dodgers, though back in 2003.
Esteban Loaiza will make his first start of the season, though he relieved last Wednesday and took the loss against the Giants.
It seems Torre will continue to tweak and play around with the lineup. Jeff Kent will be back tonight after resting on Sunday. Juan Pierre started over Matt Kemp on Sunday and it appears the same will happen tonight. Struggling Russell Martin was moved down in the order to allow the hot Rafael Furcal to bat in the two slot. Whether Martin is slumping or not, he should be kept down in the order with Furcal taking over the two spot or even leadoff, considering our lineup is lacking a consistent leadoff batter.
The 2.29 team batting average should thank the pitchers and their league leading 1.70 ERA. Kemp, Kent, Pierre, Jones and Martin are all batting below the Mendoza line.
