LOOKING AHEAD

Opponent: Cincinnati Reds

Series: Tuesday, 4 p.m.; Wednesday, 4 p.m.; Thursday, 4 p.m. (all times PDT)

Site: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati.

Matchup: Think the Dodgers have struggled? They’ve got nothing on the Reds, who were 5-11 before Saturday’s doubleheader, and in five of those losses, Cincinnati gave up more than 10 runs. The Reds were outscored, 122-71, through Friday and were last in the National League in pitching and defense, and next-to-last in batting. They gave up 13 runs to the Phillies last weekend ... in one inning. On Wednesday, the Cubs walked seven Reds, made two errors, hit two batters, threw two wild pitches and had two passed balls that let in two runs ... and still beat Cincinnati by six runs. The lone bright spot: Austin Kearns leads the NL with six homers.

Opponent: Pittsburgh Pirates

Series: Friday, 4 p.m.; Saturday, 4 p.m..; Sunday, 10:30 a.m. (all times PDT)

Site: PNC Park, Pittsburgh.

Matchup: The Pirates have enjoyed a resurgence of sorts, taking an 8-8 record into Saturday’s game, but how long can they remain competitive without their best hitter? Left fielder Brian Giles, who batted .309 and averaged 37 homers and 109 RBIs the last four seasons, was put on the disabled list last weekend because of a sprained ligament in his right knee and is out indefinitely. Randall Simon (.318, 10 RBIs) and Reggie Sanders (.310, four homers, 11 RBIs) have helped fill the void, and Jeff Suppan (3-0, 1.40 earned-run average) has led a revitalized pitching staff that began the weekend with a 3.07 ERA.