Opposite dugout: Ace Kershaw sidelined for now, but Dodgers still dangerous

Manager: Dave Roberts (1^st season)

Record: 47-37

Last 10 games: 6-4

Who to watch: SS Corey Seager (.303 average, 17 HR, 40 RBIs); 1B Adrian Gonzalez (.278 average, 80 hits); SP Kenta Maeda (7-5, 2.82 ERA); RP Kenley Jansen (1.34 ERA, 24 saves).

Season series vs. Orioles: 1^st meeting (1-2 in 2013)

Pitching probables:

July 4: RHP Yovani Gallardo vs. LHP Julio Urias, 9:10 p.m., MASN
July 5: RHP Chris Tillman vs. RHP Kenta Maeda, 10:10 p.m., MASN2
July 6: RHP Kevin Gausman vs. RHP Bud Norris, 3:10 p.m., MASN

Inside the Dodgers:

It should be stated unequivocally that no one should ever be happy that an athlete is dealing with an injury. But with all due respect to pitcher Clayton Kershaw, the Orioles aren't likely to be shedding many tears at the news of Kershaw heading to the disabled list.

Prior to being placed on the 15-day DL with a herniated disc in his lower back, Kershaw was scheduled to pitch during the team's three-game series against the Orioles. Kershaw is widely regarded as one of the top pitchers in baseball, and is having a brilliant 2016 campaign with an 11-2 record. The right-hander has actually never faced the Orioles in his nine-year career and will have to wait a bit longer before checking off that box.

Despite having Kershaw on the shelf, the Dodgers still pose a formidable threat in regards to their starting rotation. Left-hander Julio Urias will start the series opener against Orioles right-hander Yovani Gallardo. Urias made his major league debut May 27 at just 19. He's pitched to a 1-2 record and a 4.09 ERA, but has allowed two earned runs or fewer in his last five starts. Kenta Maeda is tied for second on the team in wins with seven and boasts a stellar 2.82 ERA through 16 starts. Like most players on the Dodgers roster, Maeda has never faced any current Orioles, but will get his first taste against one of baseball's best lineups on Tuesday. One guy who is very familiar with the Orioles lineup is Bud Norris, who will make his second start with the Dodgers in the series finale. Norris, who pitched with Baltimore from 2013-2015, was traded to the Dodgers from the Braves on June 30. Norris fared well in his L.A. debut, however, pitching six shutout innings in a win over the Rockies.

Offensively, the Dodgers don't pose quite a threat as they did just two seasons ago when they finished third in the major leagues with a .265 average. This year's squad currently ranks 29th in all of baseball, hitting a combined .238, only a few percentage points above the Mets. The Dodgers are also in the bottom half of the league in several offensive categories, including home runs (18th with 88), hits (23rd with 662), runs scored (18th with 349) and on-base percentage (22nd at .311). Still, despite the struggles at the plate, this is a lineup that can pack a punch. Shortstop Corey Seager is one of baseball's youngest and brightest stars. The 22-year-old holds the team lead with a .303 average, 17 home runs and 40 RBIs. He was named National League Rookie of the Month for June, leading all rookies in most major categories. Center fielder Joc Pederson had a great start to the season, but has fallen off a bit in the summer months. Pederson's average sits at .236 while he sits on team's 15-day disabled list with a joint contusion in his right shoulder. Pederson's replacement in center field, 25-year-old Trayce Thompson, has performed nicely, hitting 12 home runs on 50 hits in 72 games played.

The bullpen is led by closer Kenley Jansen, who is tied for second in the National League with 24 saves. Jansen has issued runs in just three appearances this season. He sports a 1.38 ERA and has recorded 39 strikeouts compared to just five walks.