MLB Standings: Dodgers Trail Giants In NL West, Cardinals For Wild Card Spot

The Los Angeles Dodgers made all of the necessary moves this past month to form a roster capable of making a run in the playoffs. As September arrives and the postseason gets closer, teams will begin to feel that sense of urgency as they trail in the standings. For the Dodgers, it's time to make their move or it may be too late once the regular season wraps up.

After a walk-off win on Sunday, Los Angeles sits 4.5 games back of the Giants in the National League West. The club also sits a half game back of the Cardinals for the second wild card spot, with the Braves holding a three-game lead for the first spot.

Here is a complete look at the NL West standings:

For more on the Dodgers, check out True Blue LA.

Dodgers Vs. Diamondbacks Game Recap: Adrian Gonzalez Hits Walk-off Double In 5-4 Win

The Los Angeles Dodgers finally broke through late against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday afternoon, winning by a score of 5-4. The team trailed most of the game and were two outs away from a series loss, but it was a big hit off the bat of Adrian Gonzalez that saved the day.

Matt Kemp got things going in the second inning with a solo homer to right field, which was his 18th of the season. The D-backs tied things up in the third after John McDonald hit a solo blast of his own off Chris Capuano. Miguel Montero followed in the fourth with a two-run shot, giving Arizona a 3-1 lead.

Andre Ethier grounded out in the sixth inning and plated Kemp to cut the deficit to 3-2. The Diamondbacks battled right back though, scoring a run on an RBI-single from McDonald. Shane Victorino responded in the bottom half of the seventh with a single up the middle that scored A.J. Ellis, which cut the lead to 4-3.

In the ninth inning with J.J. Putz on the mound, Mark Ellis got the rally started with a single. Shane Victorino walked, bringing Gonzalez up to the plate. The slugger took a 0-2 fastball and cracked it down the right field line, scoring Ellis easily and Victorino just ahead of the tag. Dodgers win 5-4.

The two clubs split the four-game series, with both sides taking two games.

For more on the Dodgers, check out True Blue LA.

Dodgers Promote Bobby Abreu From Triple A

The Los Angeles Dodgers recalled outfielder Bobby Abreu from Triple-A Albuquerque on Sunday, according to an official press release from the team.

"The Los Angeles Dodgers today selected the contract of outfielder Bobby Abreu from Triple-A Albuquerque and recalled right-handed pitcher Chris Withrow from Double-A Chattanooga before placing him on the 60-day disabled list."

Abreu, 38, hit .353 in five games with Albuquerque. The Dodgers originally signed him on May 4.

"I'm glad he's here," manager Don Mattingly said. "It gives us another guy off the bench that has been around and will be comfortable up there. He knows what he is doing."

Abreu joins a crowded outfield featuring Shane Victorino, Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier.

For more on the Dodgers and to contribute to the discussion, head over to True Blue L.A.

Dodgers Vs. Diamondbacks Game Preview: Chris Capuano Goes For Series Split

The Los Angeles Dodgers will look for a series split with the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday at Dodger Stadium following a gem by Josh Beckett on Saturday that snapped the Dodgers' two-game losing streak.

Los Angeles will look to start a winning streak as they trail the NL West-leading San Francisco Giants by 4.5 games and are 1.5 games out of a wild card spot.

Chris Capuano will get the start and will try to right his own ship after watching Beckett put on a show. Capuano is 2-7 with a 5.20 ERA in his last 10 starts after starting the season 9-3. He will face Diamondbacks lefty Wade Miley (14-9, 2.85 ERA), who has slowly put his name in the NL Rookie of the Year discussion.

Game Time: 1:10 p.m. PST

Television Coverage: FOX Sports

Streaming Coverage: MLB.tv

Stick with this StoryStream for more coverage from the Dodgers vs. Diamondbacks series. For all things Dodgers, check out True Blue LA.

Dodgers Vs. Diamondbacks Game Recap: Andre Ethier, Hanley Ramirez Homer In 2-1 Win

Hanley Ramirez Andre Ethier each hit solo home runs to back the strong pitching of Josh Beckett, leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 2-1 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday night at Dodger Stadium.

Beckett pitched 6 2/3 innings in his home Dodger Stadium debut, and allowed just one run on six hits.The run came courtesy of Justin Upton, who launched a ball over the Dodgers bullpen in left field to tie the game at 1-1. But Beckett struck out nine on Saturday, tying a season high that he set on May 15 while pitching at home for the Boston Red Sox against the Seattle Mariners.

Ramirez homered in the second inning, his ninth home run in 36 games with the Dodgers, and his 23rd of the season. Ethier broke the tie in the sixth inning with a solo home run off Matt Albers, who took the loss despite striking out the other three batters he faced in his inning of relief.

With closer Kenley Jansen out indefinitely with a recurring heart condition and Ronald Belisario having pitched two innings the night before, manager Don Mattingly turned to Brandon League to close out the game in the ninth inning. After allowing a leadoff single, League retired the next three batters, including two by strikeout. It was the first save for League as a Dodger and his 10th of the season.

The Dodgers snapped an eight-game losing streak to the Diamondbacks with the victory. They go for a series split on Sunday afternoon, with Chris Capuano on the mound facing Wade Miley.

Stick with SB Nation Los Angeles for more on the Dodgers as the season draws to a close, or check out True Blue L.A.and join in the conversation.

Dodgers Vs. Diamondbacks: Sept 1 Starting Lineups

The Los Angeles Dodgers look to break a two-game skid in game three of their series with the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday night at Dodger Stadium.

Josh Beckett makes his debut in front of the hometown crowd at Dodger Stadium. He pitched 5-2/3 innings in his first start for L.A. after being traded from Boston, allowing three runs and striking out six. Arizona will start the youngster Tyler Skaggs. He takes the mound having given up just four earned runs in his last two starts (12-1/3 innings).

Here are the rest of tonight's starting lineups:

ARIZONA (66-67)

1. Gerardo Parra LF
2. Aaron Hill 2B
3. Justin Upton RF
4. Paul Goldschmidt 1B
5. Miguel Montero C
6. Chris Young CF
7. Ryan Wheeler 3B
8. John McDonald SS
9. Tyler Skaggs P (1-1, 2.92 ERA)

LOS ANGELES (70-63)

1. Mark Ellis 2B
2. Shane Victorino LF
3. Adrian Gonzalez 1B
4. Matt Kemp CF
5. Hanley Ramirez SS
6. Andre Ethier RF
7. Luis Cruz 3B
8. A.J. Ellis C
9. Josh Beckett P (5-12, 5.21 ERA)

Stick with this StoryStream for more coverage from the Dodgers vs. Diamondbacks series. For all things Dodgers, check out True Blue LA.

Dodgers Recall John Ely, Javy Guerra, Tim Federowicz From Triple-A

The Los Angeles Dodgers recalled catcher Tim Federowicz and right-handed pitcher Javy Guerra and selected the contract of right-handed pitcher John Ely from the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes.

The team also transferred Alfredo Silverio to the 60-day disabled list, clearing enough room on the 40-man roster for the moves.

Federowicz is a Pacific Coast League All-Star and member of the All-PCL team. In 115 games, he has hit .294 and led the team with 34 doubles, 11 home runs and 76 RBI. Guerra made 44 appearances for the Dodgers earlier in the 2012 season, going 2-3 with eight saves and a 2.66 ERA.

Ely is another mid-season Pacific Coast League All-Star and member of the All-PCL postseason team. He leads the circuit with 14 wins, a 3.20 ERA and 165 strikeouts. He made his major league debut in 2010 and is 4-11 in the big leagues since, posting a 5.35 ERA in 19 starts through 23 appearances.

Stick with SB Nation Los Angeles for more on the Dodgers as the season draws to a close, or check out True Blue L.A.and join in the conversation.

Dodgers Vs. Diamondbacks Game Preview: Josh Beckett Makes Dodger Stadium Debut For L.A.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have lost two straight against the Arizona Diamondbacks, and they will look to turn things around with Josh Beckett (5-12, 5.21 ERA) on the hill making his Dodgers Stadium debut. Beckett's first start saw him allow three runs on seven hits in 5 2/3 innings while striking out six and walking three as the club's offense went silent and the team lost 10-0.

Beckett will face off with Tyler Skaggs (1-1, 2.92 ERA), Arizona's rookie pitching prospect. Skaggs struggled in his second big league start, giving up three runs (two earned) with five strikeouts, two walks and two batters hit.

The Dodgers are 4 1/2 games behind the San Francisco Giants in the NL West pennant race, and only 1 1/2 games out of one of the two NL Wild Cards. With a three game series coming up against the Giants, putting together a few wins could put them within striking distance of the division title.

Game Time: 6:10 p.m. PT

Television Coverage: Fox Sports

Streaming Coverage: MLB.tv

Stick with this StoryStream for more coverage from the Dodgers vs. Diamondbacks series. For all things Dodgers, check out True Blue LA.

Dodgers Vs. Diamondbacks Game Recap: Dodgers Lose 4-3 In 11 Innings

Jason Kubel hit a solo home run in the 11th inning and the Arizona Diamondbacks knocked off the Los Angeles Dodgers 4-3 on Friday.

The Diamondbacks got on the board first with a run in the second inning and led 3-0 going into the bottom of the fifth inning, but Arizona starter Trevor Cahill was unable to hold the lead. The Dodgers cut the lead to 3-2 with two runs in the fifth then tied the game with another run in the sixth inning. The teams matched zeroes until Kubel broke the tie with his 27th home run of the season. The Dodgers threatened in the bottom of the 11th inning with men on first and third and two outs but J.J. Putz was able to retire A.J. Ellis to earn his 28th save of the season.

Cahill allowed three runs over 5-2/3 innings while striking out four. Dodgers starter Aaron Harang pitched five innings, allowing three earned runs and five hits. Miguel Montero went 3-for-5 for the Diamdonbacks while Aaron Hill and Chris Johnson both finished 2-for-4 with an RBI.

The Dodgers offense struggled all game, collecting just six hits over 11 innings. The first five batters in the Dodgers lineup combined to go 1-for-21 including an 0-for-5 from Adrian Gonzalez.

With the win, Arizona has now won the first two games of the four-game series. The two teams will meet again Saturday with first pitch scheduled for 6:10 p.m. PT.

For more discussion and analysis of the Dodgers, please check out True Blue LA.

Kenley Jansen To Find Out Fate Tuesday

The Los Angeles Dodgers got some good news on Friday regarding closer Kenley Jansen, as he threw a bullpen session at Dodger Stadium just three days after getting hospitalized for a recurrence of an irregular heartbeat. The Dodgers will know Tuesday whether or not Jansen can pitch again this season.

Jansen has an appointment scheduled Tuesday with team physicians, who will determine his future.

"We don't know what's going to happen with Kenley on Tuesday," said manager Don Mattingly on Friday. "They could tell us he could get ready to pitch, or that he's no longer available."

Because he is on blood thinners, the earliest Jansen could pitch is Friday, September 7 in San Francisco against the Giants. If he is deemed unavailable, he will be out for the remainder of the season.

"He can do everything pretty much that everyone else can do, but he can't do it while they're out there. He can't risk the chance of getting hit by a ball," Mattingly said.

Jansen spent 28 days on the disabled list last season for the same condition, and missed a few days in spring training this year with a recurrence.

For more discussion and analysis of the Dodgers, please check out True Blue LA.

Dodgers Roster Moves: Tim Federowicz, Javy Guerra Likely Up Saturday

Major league active roster limits expand from 25 to 40 on September 1, and the Los Angeles Dodgers plan to recall catcher Tim Federowicz and relief pitcher Javy Guerra from Triple A Albuquerque on Saturday for their first wave of callups.

Manager Don Mattingly said more moves will follow in the coming days, though nothing is imminent.

Bringing up a third catcher is standard practice for September, and Federowicz is the only other catcher on the 40-man roster, aside from starter A.J. Ellis and backup Matt Treanor. Catcher Tyler Ogle was promoted from Class A Great Lakes to backup Josh Bard in Albuquerque with Federowicz on the way to Los Angeles.

Guerra was optioned to Triple A on August 21, odd timing considering he had nine consecutive scoreless appearances. Guerra did walk two of three batters he faced in his last outing for the Dodgers, and Mattingly cited command as something for Guerra to work on for his 11 days in Triple A.

Mattingly also said that shortstop Dee Gordon would remain with Triple A Albuquerque through the Pacific Coast League playoffs, so that Gordon could play every day rather than backup Hanley Ramirez and Luis Cruz with the Dodgers.

"We'll probably let him keep playing," Mattingly said of Gordon. "He really hasn't swung the bat well yet, so we're going to let him play as long as he can."

For more discussion and analysis of the Dodgers, please check out True Blue LA.

Dodgers Vs. Diamondbacks Starting Lineups: Matt Kemp Back After Missing 2 Games

Los Angeles Dodgers star outfielder Matt Kemp is returning to the lineup Friday night against the Diamondbacks, batting cleanup for the first time this season after missing the previous two games with a bruised knee.

Kemp had made his previous 77 starts out of the three hole but manager Don Mattingly decided to move the recently acquired Adrian Gonzalez to that position for tonight. Here's the rest of the team's lineup for tonight as Aaron Harang takes on Trevor Cahill.

Dodgers

1. Mark Ellis - 2B
2. Shane Victorino - LF
3. Adrian Gonzalez - 1B
4. Matt Kemp - CF
5. Hanley Ramirez - SS
6. Andre Ethier - RF
7. Luis Cruz - 3B
8. A.J. Ellis - C
9. Aaron Harang - P

Dodgers Owners Reportedly Nearing Deal To Buy Dick Clark Productions

Dodgers Vs. Diamondbacks Game Preview: Los Angeles Looks To Snap Recent Skid

A day after dropping their series opener to the Arizona Diamondbacks, 2-0, the Los Angeles Dodgers will look to rebound tonight in game two of the four-game series, and in doing so, snap an eight-game losing streak to their NL West rivals.

Since acquiring Josh Beckett, Carl Crawford, Adrian Gonzalez and Nick Punto from the Boston Red Sox, the Dogers have gone 2-4 and dropped to 4-1/2 games back of the NL West leading San Francisco Giants. The team has also lost seven of its last 10 games and sits 1-1/2 games out of the final wild card in the National League.

WIth just 30 games left in the season, the Dodgers are looking to snap their recent skid -- and fast.

"It's a loss that we really can't afford," manager Don Mattingly said. "There's guys in that clubhouse I trust are going to get the job done. I continue to believe in these guys."

The matchup on the mound pits Los Angeles's Aaron Harang (9-8, 3.70 ERA) against Arizona's Trevor Cahill (9-11, 3.99 ERA). Game time at Dodger Stadium is set for 7:10 Pacific Time.

For more on the Dodgers, head over to True Blue L.A.

Chad Billingsley Injury Update: Dodgers P Gets PRP Injection In Right Elbow

As a last-ditch effort to see if he could be able to pitch again this season, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Chad Billingsley received an injection of platelet-rich plasma in his right elbow Thursday, Aug. 30, according to MLB.com.

"If he's able to throw after this, he's not finished and if that's the case, he'll start a throwing program," Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said. "If not, there's a different plan. We're trying to see if this helps. It could be something that ends up more than that."

Billingsley was moved to the disabled list last Saturday with "inflammation" in his right elbow. The Dodgers have not announced the exact nature of Billingsley's injury, but PRP injections are typically used for tears in tendons or ligaments or for treating osteoarthritis, according to MLB.com.

Dodgers CEO Stan Kasten told The Los Angeles Times in an interview Wednesday he feared Billingsley would be lost for the season. He later clarified his comments as "not based on medical evidence."

Before going down with an injury, Billingsley had gone 10-9 with a 3.55 ERA this season. His last seven starts, in particular, were impressive, as he racked up a 6-0 record and a 1.80 ERA.

For more on the Dodgers and to contribute to the discussion, head over to True Blue L.A.

Dodgers Vs. Diamondbacks Game Recap: L.A. Shutout In Opener 2-0

The Los Angeles have had trouble winning games in their division of late, and Thursday night was no different as they dropped the opener of a four-game series 2-0 to the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium.

The loss was the seventh straight against Arizona for the Dodgers, who are now 4 1/2 games behind the San Francisco Giants in the National League West. The Dodgers have been shutout 12 times this season.

Clayton Kershaw struck out nine in six innings and allowed just two runs, but suffered the loss. Chris young got him for a two-run home run in the fourth inning for the game's only runs.

Ian Kennedy pitched 6 1/3 scoreless frames for Arizona for the win.

The Dodgers were held to just five hits, though two came in the ninth inning, putting the tying runs on base. But J.J. Puitz got out of the jam for his 27th save.

For more discussion and analysis of the Dodgers, please check out True Blue L.A.

Vin Scully & A Perfect Moment At Dodger Stadium

Matt Guerrier Activated From DL, Dodgers Option Josh Wall

The Los Angeles Dodgers have activated Matt Guerrier from the DL and optioned Josh Wall to Triple-A Albuquerque, according to a press release from the organization. Guerrier had been on the 60-day DL with an injury to his right elbow and has not pitched since April 18.

Guerrier has been on the shelf for four months, but prior to that was 0-1 with a 2.70 ERA in seven appearances with the Dodgers. He posted a 3.60 ERA in his rehab assignment at Single-A Rancho Cucamonga, striking out five and issuing no walks in five appearances.

Wall is headed back to the minors after being called up on Monday. He made two relief appearances for Los Angeles, giving up three runs over 1.1 innings in his two appearances.

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Dodgers vs. Diamondbacks: Matt Kemp Out Of Lineup Again

The Los Angeles Dodgers will be without star outfielder Matt Kemp once again on Thursday night as they kick off a four-game series with the Diamondbacks. Kemp has been held out of action since Tuesday after crashing into the center field wall and suffering a right knee contusion, although the lineup did respond nicely with 10 runs in yesterday's game.

Shane Victorino is playing center field yet again for Los Angeles. Here is the rest of their lineup for tonight's game:

Nick Punto 2B
Shane Victorino CF
Adrian Gonzalez 1B
Hanley Ramirez SS
Andre Ethier RF
Juan Cruz 3B
Juan Rivera LF
AJ Ellis C
Clayton Kershaw P

Here is the Diamondbacks' lineup. Jason Kubel, who leads the team in homers and RBIs, has the night off.

Aaron Hill 2B
Jake Elmore SS
Justin Upton RF
Paul Goldschmidt 1B
Miguel Montero C
Chris Young CF
Gerardo Parra LF
John McDonald 3B
Ian Kennedy P

First pitch from Dodger Stadium is scheduled for 7:10 p.m.

For more discussion and analysis of the Dodgers, please check out True Blue L.A.

Dodgers Vs. Diamondbacks Game Preview: Clayton Kershaw Goes For 13th Win

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