Cubs Have Their Aces Ready

CINCINNATI — In a possible playoff preview, the Dodgers and Chicago Cubs begin a three-game series today at Wrigley Field.

The Dodgers, leaders of the National League West, won twice in three games May 11-13 at Dodger Stadium, and now the Cubs play host to the Dodgers while trying to maintain a one-game lead in the wild-card race.

“They’ve got a real good team and a great pitching staff, so it’s one of those series that you definitely look at with a lot of anticipation,” Shawn Green said. “Not that you take anyone for granted, but there are some series that definitely have a little more hype surrounding them, and with good reason.”

Greg Maddux, Kerry Wood and Mark Prior are scheduled to start for the Cubs.

“They’ve got a lot of good pitchers -- you know those guys have good stuff -- but we know what we can do,” third baseman Adrian Beltre said. “We’ve got a lot of guys in this lineup who are swinging the bat good.”

Manager Jim Tracy said he anticipated an exciting weekend.

“I think it sets up to be a terrific series,” Tracy said. “When you look at the fact that you’re going to face Maddux, Wood and Prior

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The Dodgers never know what to expect from Kazuhisa Ishii, and now the left-hander’s schedule has been altered because of his demotion to the bullpen.

Ishii, working on seven days’ rest, is scheduled to start Saturday in place of injured Brad Penny. Will the layoff have an adverse effect on Ishii?

“That’s a tough one,” catcher David Ross said. “I hope he goes out there and pitches like he’s capable of pitching, but it’s a weird situation.

“When you take a guy who’s not used to going to the bullpen, then he gets flip-flopped back and forth ... you don’t know. I hope it’s not a tough adjustment for him, but it could be.”

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Center fielder Milton Bradley sat out Thursday’s 6-5 loss to Cincinnati because of a sore right hamstring. Bradley might return to the lineup today against the Cubs.... Ross sat out because of a swollen right elbow. He was hit by a pitch in the first inning of Wednesday’s 11-1 victory.... Hideo Nomo is scheduled for his final bullpen session today before beginning a rehabilitation assignment at triple-A Las Vegas. If all goes well, Nomo will start Monday for the 51s.

ON DECK

Opponent -- Chicago Cubs, three games.

Site -- Wrigley Field.

TV -- Fox Sports Net 2 today, Ch. 11 Saturday, Ch. 13 Sunday.

Radio -- KFWB (980), KWKW (1330).

Records -- Dodgers 67-46, Cubs 62-52.

Record vs. Cubs -- 2-1.

Today, 12:15 p.m. PDT -- Odalis Perez (5-2, 2.92 ERA) vs. Greg Maddux (11-7, 3.99).

Saturday, 10:15 a.m. -- Kazuhisa Ishii (11-5, 4.76) vs. Kerry Wood (6-5, 3.20).

Sunday, 11:15 a.m. -- Jose Lima (11-3, 3.89) vs. Mark Prior (3-3, 5.05).