Alex Guerrero scratched with back stiffness

Alex Guerrero was all set for his first start since July 10, but was a late scratch on Friday night against the Mets with back stiffness. Kiké Hernandez will now start for the Dodgers in left field.

With the non-waiver trade deadline one week away, every lineup scratch is met with increased skepticism, but taken at face value it is unfortunate for Guerrero, who has started just twice in the last 22 games.

Guerrero is 1-for-19 dating back to June 26, and on the season has seen his batting line drop to .245/.269/.491 after a hot start.

He was originally slated to bat fifth on Friday against left-handed pitcher Jonathon Niese, with Yasiel Puig batting sixth, in right field. Now, Puig moves up to fifth with Hernandez sixth.

Hernandez is 15-for-41 against southpaws this season, hitting .366/.416/.683 wth six doubles, two triples, a home run and four walks.

Here is the new Dodgers lineup:

Pederson CF
Kendrick 2B
Turner 3B
Van Slyke 1B
Puig RF
Hernandez LF
Rollins SS
Barnes C
Thomas P