Josh Beckett back as Dodgers go for 3rd straight win

The Dodgers go for a third straight win on Tuesday night, and will send Josh Beckett to the mound against the Pirates in the middle game of a series at PNC Park.

Beckett only missed one start while on the disabled list with a left hip impingement, thanks in part to the All-Star break. The 34-year-old right-hander pitched five scoreless innings at Coors Field on July 6 in his last start, and has had scoreless outings in four of his last six starts.

In the eight starts before his no-hitter, Beckett was pitching pretty well, 2-1 with a 2.89 ERA, with 46 strikeouts and 17 walks in 46⅔ innings. Since the no-hitter he has been even better. In his last eight starts Beckett is 3-4 with a 2.06 ERA with 43 strikeouts and 12 walks in 48 innings, with opposing hitters batting .220/.278/.347 against him during that span.

Only two active Pirates have faced Beckett in more than three plate appearances. Travis Snider is 5-for-14 (.357) with a home run and two walks against Beckett, while old friend Russell Martin is 3-for-14 (.214) with a hit by pitch.

Vance Worley was purchased from the Twins by the Pirates at the end of spring training, but he started the year in Triple-A Indianapolis. Since joining the Pirates Worley is 2-1 with a 3.48 ERA in six games, including five starts, with 22 strikeouts and five walks in 34⅔ innings.

Justin Turner is 4-for-10 with two doubles against Worley, Hanley Ramirez is 2-for-7 (.286) against him, and Andre Ethier is 0-for-3 with two walks.

Game info

Time: 4:05 p.m. PT

TV: SportsNet LA