Los Angeles @ San Diego preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 1, 2011 ) LA Dodgers 6, San Diego 2

THE STORY: The Los Angeles Dodgers are in the midst of a three-game series with the San Diego Padres, but Heath Bell’s future is the hot topic at Petco Park. Despite the Padres’ best efforts to trade him, the veteran closer has reiterated his preference to remain in San Diego. He’ll likely receive another large ovation Tuesday when the Padres aim to avoid a fifth straight loss to the Dodgers, who are 7-3 against San Diego this season.

TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, KCAL; Channel 4SD

PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers RH Hiroki Kuroda (6-13, 3.11 ERA) at Padres RH Mat Latos (5-10, 4.10 ERA)

Many expected Kuroda to be moved at the non-waiver trade deadline, but he used his no-trade clause to block any potential deals. Kuroda gave up one run on six hits over six innings last Wednesday against the Rockies. He is 6-4 with a 3.84 ERA in 12 career starts against San Diego. Latos allowed three runs and four hits over 5 1/3 innings last Thursday against Arizona. He hasn't won since June 27, a span of five starts. Latos is 1-4 with a 2.70 ERA in six career starts against the Dodgers.

ABOUT THE DODGERS (49-59): One day after lasting just four innings against Arizona, the Dodgers placed Rubby De La Rosa on the 15-day disabled list Monday with a sprained ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. It’s possible De La Rosa - who has a 3.71 ERA over 60 2/3 innings - may need season-ending Tommy John surgery. John Ely was promoted from Triple-A Albuquerque and will likely take De La Rosa’s spot in the rotation. Ely was 4-10 with the Dodgers last year, and he was 6-4 with a 5.43 ERA this season in Albuquerque. Along with the back end of the rotation, manager Don Mattingly also needs to address the struggles of reliever Hong-Chih Kuo, who has pitched two innings and allowed eight earned runs in his last four games. Closer Javy Guerra continues to shine, however. Guerra hasn’t allowed a run in his last eight appearances and is perfect in eight save chances.

ABOUT THE PADRES (47-63): San Diego’s outfield had a different look Monday after the team traded Ryan Ludwick to Pittsburgh and Chris Denorfia (hamstring) and Will Venable (back spasms) were both unavailable. Aaron Cunningham was recalled from Triple-A Tucson to take Ludwick’s place, and Blake Tekotte was promoted from Double-A San Antonio. With Ludwick gone, Kyle Blanks got the start Monday in left field and went 1-for-3. He could see regular playing time in left, with Jesus Guzman playing more at first base. Guzman is batting .341 after going 2-for-4 on Monday. Power-hitting prospect James Darnell might have been a candidate to be called up, but he’s batting just .266 in Tucson after tearing up Double-A pitching. Catcher Nick Hundley will start a rehab assignment with San Antonio on Tuesday, and he could rejoin the Padres as soon as this weekend.

FINAL PITCH: Rookie shortstop Dee Gordon will likely play everyday with the trade of Rafael Furcal. Gordon hit .232 with nine steals in 22 games with the Dodgers during his June call-up.