Los Angeles @ San Francisco preview

Last Meeting ( Jun 27, 2012 ) LA Dodgers 0, San Francisco 3

The National League West race heats up this weekend when the Dodgers visit San Francisco for three games. After trading for Hanley Ramirez earlier this week, Los Angeles is reportedly looking for more help before the July 31 trade deadline. Ramirez has started at third base and batted fifth in his two games with the Dodgers, who have lost three straight to fall three games behind the first-place Giants.

The Giants are concerned about All-Star third baseman Pablo Sandoval, who suffered a hamstring strain on Tuesday and could be headed to the disabled list. Sandoval is critical to the Giants’ offense, especially with fellow infielders Joaquin Arias and rookie Brandon Belt struggling to produce. Arias has just three hits in his previous 43 at-bats with runners in scoring position, and Belt is mired in a 3-for-38 slump. The Giants don’t appear to be active players in the trade market, but Sandoval’s status could change things this weekend.

TV: 10:15 p.m. ET, PRIME (Los Angeles), CSNBA (San Francisco)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers RH Stephen Fife (0-0, 1.50 ERA) vs. Giants RH Matt Cain (10-3, 2.74)

Fife is expected to be recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque and make his second major league start in place of Nathan Eovaldi, who was traded to the Marlins earlier this week. The 25-year-old Fife gave up one run over five innings against the Phillies in his major-league debut on July 17. He’s 8-5 with a 4.31 ERA in 19 starts at Triple-A this season.

Cain has won nine of his last 10 decisions, but he hasn’t been especially sharp in his last few starts. He gave up three homers last Saturday against the Phillies, and he’s allowed seven homers in his last four outings after permitting only eight in his first 15 starts. Cain boasts an NL-leading 0.95 WHIP, and he has gone 3-0 with a 1.80 ERA in his last five starts against the Dodgers.

WALK-OFFS

1. Dodgers OF Andre Ethier is 22-for-47 (.468) lifetime against Cain.

2. The Giants’ 22 one-run victories are the most in the majors.

3. The Dodgers placed INF Adam Kennedy on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right groin and recalled RHP Shawn Tolleson from Triple-A Albuquerque.