Chicago @ Los Angeles preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 3, 2012 ) Chi. Cubs 1, LA Dodgers 6

The Dodgers were one of the most active teams at last Tuesday’s trade deadline, and apparently they’re not done yet. Los Angeles, which stands one-half game behind San Francisco in the National League West, acquired starting pitcher Joe Blanton from the Phillies on Friday after claiming the nine-year veteran on waivers. Blanton isn’t expected to pitch during this weekend’s series with the Cubs, but he’ll be a welcome addition after Ted Lilly’s recent setback. Lilly, who’s been out since May 23 because of inflammation in his shoulder, was scratched from his scheduled rehab outing with Class-A Rancho Cucamonga on Friday.

Chicago has lost five of its last seven road games, including a 6-1 loss in Friday’s series opener. Pitcher Matt Garza (triceps) had his bullpen session cut short Friday, but he’s still hopeful of starting Tuesday against the Padres. The Cubs are 19-13 in their last 32 games dating back to June 25, but they're still 21 games out of first in the National League Central. With that in mind, Chicago is expected to promote outfielder Brett Jackson and third baseman Josh Vitters in the next few weeks. The top prospects have excelled at Triple-A Iowa this season, and both are expected to play regularly once they’re promoted.

TV: 9:10 p.m. ET, CSN (Chicago), PRIME (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Chris Volstad (0-7, 7.94 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Clayton Kershaw (8-6, 2.95)

Volstad, who is seeking his first win since July 10, 2011, was recalled from Triple-A Iowa after throwing eight shutout innings in his last start on July 27 against Oklahoma City. Volstad is making his 10th start with the Cubs this season, and he’s 3-4 with a 5.01 ERA in seven career starts against the Dodgers.

Kershaw pitched a five-hitter for his second shutout of the season last Sunday against San Francisco, and he went 3-2 with a 3.51 ERA in six starts in July. Kershaw ranks first in the National league in innings pitched at 149 1/3, and he’s 5-3 with a 2.36 ERA at Dodger Stadium this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Chicago’s Darwin Barney tied Ryne Sandberg's franchise record for consecutive errorless games in one season by a second baseman with his 90th on Friday. Sandberg’s streak ended at 123 games.

2. Los Angeles is 45-9 when scoring more than four runs.

3. Cubs OF Alfonso Soriano is one home run shy of his 11th-straight 20-home run season.