The week ahead for the Dodgers

MONDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY: CARDINALS AT DODGER STADIUM

THURSDAY THROUGH AUG. 23: CUBS AT DODGER STADIUM

The best right-handed hitter in baseball returns to Dodger Stadium this week. And no, we’re not talking about Manny Ramirez. The Cardinals’ Albert Pujols, who leads the majors with 38 homers and is tied for the lead with 103 runs batted in, has a chance to become the first triple crown winner in 42 seasons. “He’s scary,” Dodgers Manager Joe Torre says. “This guy does it all. He steals bases, he runs hard all the time. I don’t think he has any holes to pitch to. He’s intimidating, no question.” Especially against the Dodgers. Pujols is batting .337 with 13 homers, 48 RBIs and 41 runs scored in 53 games -- scary numbers, indeed, should this week’s series prove to be a playoff preview. Also scary is the Cardinals’ rotation, headed by Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright. The two right-handers, who will start two of the three games here, are a combined 12-2 with a 1.69 earned-run average since July 1. And both beat the Dodgers during that stretch.

-- Kevin Baxter