Dodgers at Giants
The underachieving San Francisco Giants have won three in a row for the first time this season, but it’s too early to say they’re on the verge of a complete turnaround. That could come as soon as Monday, when the Giants begin a three-game series against the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers, who have gone 12-4 over their last 16 games.
Brandon Belt homered for the second straight game in Sunday’s 8-3 win over Cincinnati and Eduardo Nunez showed signs of breaking out of an extended slump with two hits and two RBIs. However, Hunter Pence missed the contest with a strained left hamstring and could be placed on the disabled list Monday. The Dodgers suffered a 9-6 loss to Colorado on Sunday but received another strong effort from Yasmani Grandal, who is 15-for-31 during his eight-game hitting streak. Rookie Cody Bellinger went 2-for-4 in the setback and is hitting .319 for the Dodgers, who have won four of their first seven meetings with the Giants this season.
TV: 10:15 p.m. ET, MLB Network, SportsNet LA (Los Angeles), NBC Sports Bay Area (San Francisco)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers RH Brandon McCarthy (3-0, 3.10 ERA) vs. Giants RH Matt Cain (2-1, 4.54)
McCarthy (left shoulder) will be activated from the disabled list to make his first start since April 29 against Philadelphia. “Mac threw a simulated game a few days ago,” Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts told reporters. “Went four innings and 60 pitches. He’s chomping at the bit. We expect him to be sharp and go out there and give us a chance to win.” McCarthy is 1-2 with a 7.36 ERA in five career appearances (four starts) against San Francisco.
Cain is hoping to duplicate his last outing against the Dodgers on April 24, when he allowed two hits over six scoreless innings in a 2-1 victory. The 32-year-old has struggled in his last two starts, surrendering a total of 12 runs - 11 earned - over 8 1/3 frames. Chase Utley is 11-for-30 with four home runs against Cain, who owns a 6-11 record and 3.42 ERA in 33 career games (32 starts) versus the Dodgers.
WALK-OFFS
1. San Francisco has scored three runs or fewer in eight of its last 10 games.
2. Dodgers LHP Rich Hill (blister) will come off the disabled list to start Tuesday’s contest.
3. The Giants are optimistic that closer Mark Melancon (elbow) will be able to return from the DL when first eligible on Tuesday.