Dodgers Vs. Braves Preview: Haren Looking To Build Momentum

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After getting a strong outing last night from newly acquired pitcher Kevin Correia, the Los Angeles Dodgers are hoping Dan Haren (9-9, 4.57 ERA) can replicate the same result.

The Dodgers took the first of a four-game set against the Atlanta Braves and extended their lead to 5.0 games in the division standings. Haren takes the mound looking to build off his last start against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim where he only gave up three hits and one run in 7.1 innings to snap his five-game losing streak.

While Haren hasn’t faced the Braves with the Dodgers, he did last season during his time with the Washington Nationals — going 1-0 with a 1.29 ERA in two starts. If Haren is going to have another successful outing, he’ll need to have similar control from his last start where he took a no-hitter into the sixth inning.

Starting opposite Haren is Mike Minor (4-7, 5.42 ERA), who will attempt to pull the reeling Braves back on track. The Braves are 2-8 in their last 10 games and have dropped four games behind the Washington Nationals.

Minor had his last start skipped and he’s gone 1-2 with a 8.59 ERA since the All-Star break.

With the Dodgers facing a lefty, manager Don Mattingly inserted plenty of right-handed hitters into the lineup. Scott Van Slyke starts at first base for Adrian Gonzalez, and Darwin Barney replaces Dee Gordon at second.

Having Gonzalez out of the lineup may hurt the Dodgers as he’s batted .407 with 11 hits in his last seven games.

Dodgers Lineup:

LF: Crawford

CF: Puig

RF: Kemp

1B: Van Slyke

SS: Turner

3B: Uribe

C: Ellis

2B: Barney

P: Haren

Braves Lineup:

SS: Bonifacio

2B: La Stella

1B: Freeman

LF: J. Upton

RF: Heyward

C: Gattis

3B: Johnson

CF: B. Upton

P: Minor
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