Los Angeles @ Cincinnati preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 22, 2012 ) LA Dodgers 0, Cincinnati 6

After clinching their second National League Central crown in three years, the Cincinnati Reds are expected to rest several regulars in Sunday’s series finale against the Los Angeles Dodgers. While the playoffs begin in two weeks for the Reds, they have essentially already started for the Dodgers. Los Angeles sits three games behind St. Louis for the second NL wild-card spot with 10 games to play, and a loss Sunday would likely end their postseason hopes. The Dodgers have considered having ace Clayton Kershaw start the series finale, but it figures to be a last-minute decision. Kershaw has been dealing with an sore right hip that could require offseason surgery, but his doctor said he wouldn't risk further damage by pitching.

Even if Kershaw starts, the Dodgers will need to fix their offense in a hurry. Los Angeles has finished with three runs or less 13 times in its last 16 games, and the team was shut out for the 15th time this season on Saturday. Catcher A.J. Ellis went 0-for-2 and is hitless in his last 28 at-bats dating back to Sept. 11. Reds manager Dusty Baker missed his fourth straight game with an irregular heartbeat, and it’s unclear when he’ll rejoin the team. Cincinnati received some good news Saturday when closer Aroldis Chapman pitched a scoreless ninth inning in his first appearance since complaining of left shoulder fatigue on Sept. 10.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, ESPN

PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers RH Aaron Harang (9-10, 3.80 ERA) vs. Reds RH Homer Bailey (12-9, 3.82)

Harang will start on three days rest if Kershaw (hip) isn’t cleared to pitch. Harang, who allowed two runs over 4 1/3 innings against the Nationals last Wednesday, has pitched on three days' rest three times in his career and owns a 1-2 record with 5.50 ERA. He has a 3.89 ERA over eight games since the start of August.

Bailey has made four consecutive quality starts, going 2-0 with a 1.55 ERA during that span. He’s 3-1 with a 4.06 ERA in five career starts against the Dodgers, including July 2 when he gave up two runs over eight frames. Bailey won his career-high 12th game last Tuesday against the Cubs, giving up one run over 7 1/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Dodgers LF Shane Victorino has missed the last two games with an injured left wrist, but he’s hoping to return for the series finale.

2. Reds LF Ryan Ludwick has missed the last three games with left groin tightness, but he could return Sunday.

3. Dodgers 1B Adrian Gonzalez is batting .500 with three homers in 12 at-bats against Bailey.