The Dodgers are not to be feared when neither Clayton Kershaw nor Zack Greinke is on the mound. LA has an inconsistent offense, shaky bullpen and mediocre back-of-the-rotation starters, one of whom is pitching here - Mike Bolsinger.

Bolsinger hasn't started for the Dodgers since July 29. He's been toiling at Triple-A Oklahoma City. He faces a hot-hitting Padres squad averaging 6.4 runs while batting .316 during their last 12 games at Petco Park. San Diego has scored six or more runs in four of its last five games. Bolsinger has won only once in his last nine starts with the Dodgers.

The Dodgers entered this series averaging fewer than three runs per game during their last 15 games. LA is coasting with a 6 1/2-game division lead on the Giants, who they swept at home right before this series leaving them fat and happy.

James Shields shouldn't be an underdog to Bolsinger, especially at home. Shields is 6-2 with a 2.56 ERA in 14 lifetime starts at Petco Park. He is 1-0 career-wise versus the Dodgers with a 2.70 ERA in three starts.

San Diego has a winning home record. The Dodgers have lost the last eight times they've gone against a foe with a winning home mark.