Yasiel Puig bats cleanup, Chris Taylor makes Dodgers debut on getaway day in Pittsburgh

The Dodgers try to salvage a game on getaway day after a nightmare weekend in Pittsburgh, trying to avoid a rare four-game sweep at the hands of the Pirates.

The last time the Pirates swept the Dodgers in a four-game series was Aug. 20-22, 1944 when Brooklyn dropped four games at Forbes Field. But with three losses in three days to start this wraparound weekend set, the Dodgers have now dropped eight straight games in Pittsburgh, getting outscored 60-33.

It's a far cry from the 33-16 mark the Dodgers had at PNC Park before their current losing skid.

Pittsburgh has beaten the Dodgers five straight games overall, 10 of their last 11, and in 14 of their last 17 matchups, dating back to 2013.

The lineup on Monday morning is, well, a getaway day lineup, with Corey Seager sitting as well as the usual moves with the left-hander Francisco Liriano on the mound.

Joc Pederson and Chase Utley sit in favor of Trayce Thompson in center field and Howie Kendrick at second base. Adrian Gonzalez sits as planned for a second straight day, with Scott Van Slyke at first base.

Yasiel Puig bats cleanup for the first time since July 1, 2015.

Chris Taylor, acquired from Seattle via trade eight days ago, makes his Dodgers debut, playing shortstop and batting eighth.

Kiké Hernandez gets a shot at leadoff in left field. Now down to .189/.264/.346 on the season, and with another capable backup shortstop around in Taylor, one has to wonder whether it will be Hernandez who goes down the next time the Dodgers need a roster move, for instance perhaps to call up Wednesday's starting pitcher.

Hernandez began the season 8-for-11 with two home runs, two doubles and a walk against left-handed pitching, but since then is 4-for-48 against southpaws, with two home runs, a double and seven walks.

Liriano has a 6.44 ERA over his last eight starts, with 30 walks in 43 innings during that span. Right-handed batters are hitting .283/.386/.457 against him this season. If not now for the Dodgers' offense, then when?

Scott Kazmir starts the series finale for the Dodgers.

Game info

Time: 9:35 a.m. PT

TV: SportsNet LA, MLB Network