Dodgers could use some relief from Josh Beckett in finale with Cubs

LOS ANGELES -- After two days of extreme bullpen use, the Dodgers need a long outing from Josh Beckett in their series finale on Sunday afternoon at Dodger Stadium, something they haven't received in over a month.

Beckett has pitched a total of eight innings in his two starts since returning from the disabled list, allowing eight runs and 20 runners to reach base. In his two starts prior to getting sidelined with a left hip impingement, Beckett lasted just five innings each time.

The last time Beckett pitched into the sixth inning was on June 26 in a win over the Cardinals when he pitched seven scoreless innings, the third of three straight starts of seven innings an the last of five straight starts of six or more frames.

The Dodgers' bullpen has thrown 9⅔ innings in the last two games, including five scoreless innings in Saturday's 12-inning win over Chicago.

But things are that dire in the bullpen for Los Angeles. The only two pitchers to pitch in each of the last two nights are Jamey Wright and Brian Wilson. Coupled with Clayton Kershaw's complete game on Thursday against Atlanta, none of the other five members of the bullpen have pitched more than once in the last three days.

The Cubs are in a similar boat as the Dodgers. Chicago's bullpen threw six innings on Saturday, with Justin Grimm and Blake Parker pitching in each of the last two games.

Edwin Jackson, like Beckett, has pitched a total of 18 innings over his last four starts, allowing 20 runs on 27 hits in the process. Jackson in his last 13 starts has allowed 57 runs in 65⅓ innings, and opposing hitters are batting .317/.391/.555 against him during that span.

Andre Ethier, who hasn't started since July 22, is 5-for-15 (.333) with two home runs in his career against Jackson. Saturday night's walk-off hero Hanley Ramirez also has a pair of home runs against Jackson, but is 3-for-14 (.214) against him.

Game info

Time: 1:10 p.m. PT

TV: SportsNet LA, WGN