Dodgers vs. Cubs probable starting pitchers

LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers try to build momentum with a three-game winning streak, back home to open a tough homestand, starting first with the Cubs coming to town for the weekend. Here is a look at the pitching matchups and schedule for the three-game series.

Friday, 7:10 p.m. PT (SportsNet LA, MLB Network)

Clayton Kershaw has exactly a 1.00 ERA in his last seven starts. If he were to repeat that ridiculous performance (six runs, 54 innings) over his final seven starts he would end his 2015 with a 1.99 ERA, under 2.00 for a third straight season. Jason Hammel is one of three pitchers to allow more than two career home runs to James Loney (Cole Hamels, Esmil Rogers are the others).

Saturday, 6:10 p.m. (SportsNet LA)

Mat Latos is fresh off a simulated game at the Dodgers' complex in Arizona on Monday; he was skipped in the rotation on the three-off-day road trip, and will be making his first start in 16 days. Jon Lester has a 3.09 ERA in seven starts since the All-Star break with 50 strikeouts and 10 walks. But he has also allowed a major-league-high 36 stolen bases in 44 attempts, six shy of the most allowed by a left-handed pitcher in one season, held jointly by Randy Johnson (1992, 1999) and Steve Avery.

Sunday, 5:08 p.m. (ESPN)

Alex Wood gets his second start of the week, on Sunday Night Baseball, hoping to avoid another quick hook. Wood as a Dodger has limited left-handed batters to 4-for-27 (.148) though that includes two doubles and a home run, with 10 strikeouts and three walks. Jake Arrieta will likely be the one fighting with Kershaw for the one to finish second to Zack Greinke in 2014 National League Cy Young Award balloting. In five August starts, Arrieta has allowed four runs, only two earned runs, winning all five starts.