Arizona @ Los Angeles preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 1, 2012 ) Arizona 4, LA Dodgers 0

The Diamondbacks are set to make one final attempt to keep their faint playoff hopes alive against the two teams directly above them in the National League West standings. After visiting Los Angeles for a four-game series, Arizona plays a three-game set against division-leading San Francisco. The fading Diamondbacks have fallen 9 1/2 games behind the Giants after losing six straight and going 2-8 on their just-completed 10-game homestand. The Dodgers are 3 1/2 games behind San Francisco, and they’re hoping to get Matt Kemp back after he missed Wednesday’s game with a sore knee and jaw. Kemp was fortunate to avoid a major injury after crashing into the center-field wall in Tuesday’s loss to Colorado.

While Kemp is expected to return for the Arizona series, closer Kenley Jansen could be unavailable after visiting the hospital before Tuesday’s game with an irregular heartbeat. Jansen, who missed four weeks last season with a similar issue, will be monitored over the next few days and could land on the disabled list. Ronald Belisario picked up his first save in Jansen’s absence on Wednesday, and Javy Guerra could also be used in the closer’s role when he returns this Saturday. The Dodgers will be facing a desperate Arizona team that has scored just 13 runs in its last six games.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, FS Arizona (Arizona), PRIME (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks RH Ian Kennedy (11-11, 4.44 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Clayton Kershaw (12-7, 2.84)

Kennedy has lost three of his last four starts with a 6.34 ERA over that stretch, and he allowed six runs over 5 1/3 innings last Saturday against the Padres. Kennedy has allowed 17 walks and 11 home runs over his last six outings, and his 26 homers surrendered this season is tied with Joe Blanton for most in the National League. He gave up two runs over six innings against the Dodgers on May 14.

Kershaw has won five of his last six outings with a 1.94 ERA during that stretch, including last Saturday’s start when he gave up two runs in eight innings against the Marlins. Kershaw is 7-3 with a 2.41 ERA in 12 career starts against the Diamondbacks, including 1-1 with a 3.65 ERA in two starts this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Dodgers are 50-4 when scoring five or more runs this season.

2. RHP Josh Collmenter (stomach ulcers) is expected to rejoin the Diamondbacks on Saturday.

3. The Dodgers placed LHP Scott Elbert on the 15-day disabled list (left elbow soreness) and recalled RHP Shawn Tolleson from High-A Rancho Cucamonga.