The Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres kick off their most important stretches of the season on Friday night, as they play six games in the next 10 days that could very well decide the National League West division.
The Dodgers, losers of four in a row and five of their last 13, are taking on the Padres, who have won five straight and 14 of their last 17.
Left-handed pitcher Clayton Kershaw (6-2, 3.14 ERA) is taking the mound for the Dodgers.
As for the Padres, right-handed pitcher Michael King was scheduled to start, but he was placed on the injured list Thursday with left knee inflammation.