Preview: Mat Latos, Dodgers Face Reds For First Time In 2015

Behind their two aces, Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke, the Los Angeles Dodgers were able to bounce back from a four-game losing streak and beat the Washington Nationals the last two nights to earn their series victory. They now welcome the Cincinnati Reds to town for a four-game series at Chavez Ravine.

The Dodgers (64-50), who hold a 3.5 game lead over the San Francisco Giants in the National League West, send Mat Latos to the mound Thursday. Latos is making his third start as a Dodger and is facing his former team for the first time since being traded to the Miami Marlins before the 2015 season.

On the season, Latos is 4-8 with a 4.67 ERA in 18 starts. He’s had one good start and one bad start so far as a Dodger. He threw six innings while giving up one earned run in his first start against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, but was roughed up for six runs in four innings in his last start against the Pittsburgh Pirates. In his career against the Reds he is 1-1 with a 2.70 ERA in three starts.

The Reds counter with rookie Keyvius Sampson, who will be making his third career start. In 12 career innings the right-hander has given up seven hits and four runs while striking out 12 and walking four. His last start was his best, as he pitched six solid innings giving up four hits and one run Saturday against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Alberto Callaspo is making his fifth straight start at third base for the Dodgers. In his last four games he is 5-for-13 with two walks. He will bat seventh right behind Yasiel Puig, who has been slumping a bit, despite having a big game Tuesday against Washington, tying a career high with five RBIs. Since the All-star break Puig is slashing just .205/.250/.423 in 78 at-bats.

Major League Baseball’s stolen base leader Billy Hamilton is batting ninth for Cincinnati. He has stolen 52 bases in 59 attempts on the season. That is a big improvement over 2014 when he stole 56 bases in 79 attempts. Hamilton’s probelm since coming into the league has been getting on base. His on-base percentage on the season is just .269.

Before the game, Justin Turner was activated from the disabled list and is available to use.

Dodgers Lineup

SS: Jimmy Rollins

2B: Kiké Hernandez

1B: Adrian Gonzalez

LF: Andre Ethier

RF: Yasiel Puig

3B: Alberto Callaspo

CF: Joc Pederson

C: A.J. Ellis

P: Mat Latos

Reds Lineup

2B: Brandon Phillips

SS: Eugenio Suarez

1B: Joey Votto

3B: Todd Frazier

RF: Jay Bruce

LF: Marlon Byrd

C: Tucker Barnhart

P: Keyvius Sampson

CF: Billy Hamilton