Los Angeles @ Cincinnati preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 21, 2012 ) LA Dodgers 3, Cincinnati 1

The Cincinnati Reds can win their second National League Central crown in three years on Saturday, but it’s unclear if manager Dusty Baker will be in the dugout. Baker has missed three straight games with an irregular heartbeat, leaving bench coach Chris Speier in charge. The Reds’ magic number is one to clinch the division, and closer Aroldis Chapman could be available Saturday. The fireballer hasn’t appeared in a game since Sept. 10 due to left shoulder fatigue, and he’ll likely be used in a non-save situation this weekend. Shortstop Zack Cozart returned Friday after missing 14 games with a strained left oblique, while outfielder Ryan Ludwick has missed the last two games with left groin tightness.

The Dodgers kept their playoff hopes alive on Friday when they won for just the fifth time in 15 games with a 3-1 triumph in 10 innings over Cincinnati. Los Angeles moved two games back of St. Louis for the second NL wild card. Relief pitcher Ronald Belisario, who earned the victory after striking out five over two scoreless innings, hasn’t allowed an earned run in his past 17 appearances. While Belisario has been untouchable, catcher A.J. Ellis has fallen into a deep slump. Ellis is batting .264 after going hitless in his last 26 at-bats dating back to Sept. 11.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FOX

PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers RH Stephen Fife (0-1, 2.49 ERA) vs. Reds RH Mat Latos (12-4, 3.76)

Fife earned another start after allowing two runs over five innings against the Cardinals on Sunday, when he stepped in for an injured Clayton Kershaw. Fife, who is set to make his fifth start of the year, has a 16-to-10 strikeout-to-walk ratio in his first 21 2/3 innings.

Latos has turned in a solid second half, allowing more than three runs just three times in his last 13 starts. He yielded four runs with eight strikeouts in 7 2/3 innings last Sunday against the Marlins, and he’s 7-2 with a 2.71 ERA in his last 16 starts. Latos is 1-6 with a 2.91 ERA lifetime against Los Angeles.

WALK-OFFS

1. Kershaw (hip) threw a successful bullpen session Friday and could start on Sunday if he’s medically cleared.

2. The Reds have won 17 of Latos’ last 22 starts, including four in a row.

3. The Dodgers are 21-12 against the Reds at Great American Ball Park.