Washington @ Los Angeles preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 22, 2011 ) Washington 7, LA Dodgers 2

THE STORY: Things are so bad for the Los Angeles Dodgers, even Matt Kemp is struggling. The All-Star center fielder is 6-for-37 (.162) in his last 10 games heading into Saturday's middle game of a three-game series against the visiting Washington Nationals. The Nationals are looking to return to the .500 mark, while the Dodgers are simply looking for any signs of offense -- they've scored a major league-low 39 runs this month.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, MASN2, Prime Ticket

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals LH Tom Gorzelanny (2-6, 4.07 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Ted Lilly (6-10, 4.83 ERA)

Gorzelanny left his last outing with a sprained ankle, but he declared himself ready after throwing a side session Wednesday. He exited Sunday against Atlanta after giving up two runs in two innings. Gorzelanny is 2-1 with a 5.16 ERA in six career appearances -- five starts -- against Los Angeles. Lilly allowed four runs on four hits over 6 2/3 innings while striking out a season-high nine Sunday against Arizona. He is 4-3 with a 2.49 ERA in eight career starts against the Expos/Nationals franchise.

ABOUT THE DODGERS (43-56): Hiroki Kuroda helped his trade value by striking out seven over 6 1/3 innings Friday in a 7-2 defeat, but his full no-trade clause could be an issue. The Yankees, Red Sox, Tigers, Indians and Rangers are reportedly interested in Kuroda, and there’s a chance he could waive his no-trade clause for the right situation. It’s starting to look like closer Jonathan Broxton may miss the rest of the season. Broxton has suffered multiple setbacks since landing on the disabled list with a bone spur in his right elbow May 4 and still hasn't resumed throwing. Fortunately for manager Don Mattingly, relievers Javy Guerra and Kenley Jansen have been sharp recently. Guerra has six saves and a 2.18 ERA, while Jansen has not allowed a run in 11 appearances spanning 13 innings. Third baseman Casey Blake was placed on the DL July 3 with a sprained neck, and there’s no estimate on when he might begin a rehab assignment.

ABOUT THE NATIONALS (49-50): There was talk that the Nationals might deal veteran catcher Ivan Rodriguez prior to next week’s trade deadline, but that seems unlikely after Friday’s medical update. Rodriguez is expected to miss several more weeks after suffering a setback with his strained right oblique. Jesus Flores becomes the Nationals’ backup catcher to Wilson Ramos, who is showing why the Nationals traded Matt Capps for him nearly a year ago. Washington would love to find a long-term answer in center field, and they’re reportedly interested in Tampa Bay’s B.J. Upton. Current starter Roger Bernadina is batting .257 after going 0-for-3 Friday. Teams interested in starting pitchers might consider Jason Marquis, as the Nationals shop the pending free agent for a quality prospect in return.

FINAL PITCH: In 32 starts since being traded to the Dodgers last year, Lilly has not walked more than two batters in a game, which is currently longest such string in the majors.