The Dodgers will take their shot at Cubs' ace Jake Arrieta Tuesday as Trayce Thompson makes his return to the lineup after missing the last two games due to a sore lower back.
The Dodger left-fielder has been one of the most productive for the team in May, with a 167 wRC+ and a .992 OPS, slugging six homers while going 17-for-60 (.283) at the plate.
With Justin Turner taking a seat, the Dodgers will go with four lefties at the top of the order. Joc Pederson will make his second appearance in the cleanup spot in 2016, having gone 2-for-5 with an RBI back on April 21 against the Braves.
Howie Kendrick will make his eighth start of the season at third base, while in the midst of enjoying a productive May. After a dreadful April, Kendrick is 25-for-81 (.309) in his last 20 starts.
The Cubs will get Dexter Fowler back in their lineup after he sat out last night with a sore right heel. The switch-hitting outfielder is off to a great start for the Cubs, hitting .316 with a .969 OPS on the year.
As a team, the Cubs are batting .390 with runners in scoring position (23-for-59) during their current six-game winning streak.
Batting practice was canceled prior to the game due to weather, seen here:
The world apparently, is ending. pic.twitter.com/uGvwHFmdth
— Alanna Rizzo (@alannarizzo) May 31, 2016
Injury news
The Dodgers have missed Andre Ethier's bat in the lineup every day and it looks like it could be a little longer before they get him back. Ethier has been out since the middle of March with a broken right tibia.
Andre Ethier still hasn't been cleared to resume baseball activity. Dave Roberts said he was unsure of the timetable for his return.
— Andy McCullough (@McCulloughTimes) May 31, 2016
Andre Ethier still hasn't been cleared to resume baseball activities. Original 10-14 week timetable is essentially out the window.
— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) May 31, 2016
Kenta Maeda is also questionable for his next start with swelling in his right hand. Maeda was hit on the hand from a comebacker in his start Saturday.
Oh, and Kenta Maeda has some residual swelling in his right hand, so he's questionable for Thursday.
— Andy McCullough (@McCulloughTimes) May 31, 2016