Chicago @ Los Angeles preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 4, 2012 ) Chi. Cubs 1, LA Dodgers 3

The newest of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ recent arrivals makes his debut Sunday when Joe Blanton starts the series finale against the Chicago Cubs. Blanton was acquired from the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday being claimed on waivers, and could play a critical role for the Dodgers with LHP Ted Lilly (shoulder) possibly out for the season. Los Angeles trails San Francisco by one-half game in the National League West after outscoring the Cubs 9-2 while winning the first two games of the series. With Blanton starting Sunday, the Dodgers have moved Aaron Harang back in the rotation to Tuesday. Chris Capuano will still start Monday against Colorado.

The Cubs have lost four straight and six of their last eight road games, and they're 0-4 since Tuesday’s trade deadline. The team was encouraged by Saturday’s seven-inning outing by Chris Volstad, who pitched well despite dropping to 0-8 this season. The Cubs are building around young players such as first baseman Anthony Rizzo and shortstop Starlin Castro, and they’re using the next two months to see if players like Volstad fit into their plans. Catcher Geovany Soto was dealt at the deadline in part to give Welington Castillo and Steve Clevenger playing time. Castillo has hit for power in the minors, but the Cubs need to find out if he can hit for average and be a solid defensive catcher.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), KCAL (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Justin Germano (1-1, 1.98 ERA) vs. Dodgers RH Joe Blanton (8-9, 4.59)

Germano has pitched well since being acquired from the Red Sox on July 19. The 29-year-old journeyman has allowed three runs while fanning 11 in 13 2/3 innings in two appearances with the Cubs, and is making a bid to stick in the rotation even when Matt Garza (triceps) returns from the disabled list.

Blanton has averaged 7 2/3 innings over his last three starts, and leads the National League with a 115-to-18 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Six of Blanton’s last eight outings have been quality starts. He has a career ERA of 3.32 at Dodger Stadium, which is considered more pitcher-friendly than Philadelphia’s Citizens Bank Park.

WALK-OFFS

1. Dodgers RHP Stephen Fife was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque to make room for Blanton.

2. Garza (triceps) threw a successful bullpen session Saturday and hopes to return in time to start Tuesday in San Diego.

3. Chicago’s Darwin Barney moved ahead of Ryne Sandberg’s franchise record for consecutive errorless games in one season at second base with his 91st in a row Saturday.