The walking wounded that are the Los Angeles Dodgers continue their road trip Monday night in Houston, facing the Astros, the team with the worst record in the National League, in the opener of a three-game series at Minute Maid Park. The Dodgers, who aren't that much better at 21-27, will send Clayton Kershaw to the mound. Bud Norris starts for Houston.
In 19 games in May, the Dodgers are averaging just 2.74 runs per contest. They have scored four or more runs just six times in May, but four of those games have been starts by Kershaw. The left-hander is 5-3 with a 3.09 ERA in 10 starts this season, and is fourth in the National League with 70 strikeouts this season.
The Dodgers head into Houston with eight players currently on the disabled list, and a trio of injured players who may or may not join the infirmary. Andre Ethier hurt his right elbow, his lower back, and his left big toe crashing into the wall Sunday, catcher Rod Barajas sprained his right wrist making a tag at home plate, and infielder Aaron Miles has missed four straight games with a sore ribcage.
Norris is 2-3 with a 3.93 ERA in nine starts this season, including 2-0 with a 2.18 ERA in five home starts this season. The Astros have lost six of their last eight games, while the Dodgers have lost seven of their last nine contests.
Tonight's 5:05 p.m. PDT game will be televised by KCAL. For more news and information on the Dodgers, or on tonight's game, be sure to read the SB Nation blog True Blue LA.