Tuesday through Thursday: Rockies at Denver Friday through Aug. 30: Reds at Cincinnati

Tuesday through Thursday: Rockies at Denver

Friday through Aug. 30: Reds at Cincinnati

The Dodgers could not have anticipated in June, when they led the Rockies by 15 1/2 games, that this would be a showdown series in Colorado. They need not fret, however, as they are 10-2 against the Rockies this season, including 5-1 at Coors Field. The Dodgers also are not scheduled to face either of Colorado’s top starters, Jason Marquis and Ubaldo Jimenez. Of their final 37 games this season, starting with the Colorado series, the Dodgers play 24 within the National League West. The Dodgers are 33-15 within the NL West, the best record of any major league team against its own division. No other NL West club began the weekend with a winning record within the division.

-- Bill Shaikin