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SAN FRANCISCO -- The Dodgers open their National League West showdown series on Friday night against the Giants, and will do so with reinforcements back in the lineup. Yasiel Puig returns to the starting lineup for the first time since Saturday, and Hanley Ramirez is back at shortstop for the first time since Sunday, both recovering from getting hit by pitches on their left hand in St. Louis.
Puig starts in center field, his first start at the position since Sept. 14, 2013. He is 5-for-10 with a double and a walk against Tim Lincecum, starting Friday night for the Giants.
Puig walked as a pinch hitter on Wednesday, his only appearance in the last four games, and played the final inning of the game in center field, his first time at the position this season.
Ramirez makes his first start since Sunday in St. Louis. He was unavailable for the entire three-game series in Pittsburgh.
Poor, under-utilized Matt Kemp starts in right field for a fourth consecutive game, his 48th start in the Dodgers' last 51 games. Kemp is in right field, batting sixth.
San Francisco moves
The Giants made a flurry of roster moves before Friday's game, purchasing the contracts of new second baseman Dan Uggla and old friend infielder Tony Abreu from Triple-A Fresno. Infielders Ehire Adrianza (right hamstring strain) and Marco Scutaro (lower back strain) were placed on the 15-day disabled list, and infielder Nick Noonan and pitcher Jose De Paula were designated for assignment.