The written preview lands about a day and a half before the game, once the lineups, the injuries and the market have settled. Until then the boards below carry the matchup: recent form, how the two sides compare, and where each of them sits.
The full preview, matchup keys, probable starters and the storylines to watch, posts closer to game time, once lineups are set.
Each side's most recent results, newest first, with the score and who they played. These reach back into last season where a club has not played five yet, which is why every row carries its date.
San Diego Padres
GiantsGiantsGiants
NationalsNationals
Los Angeles Dodgers
Reds
MarlinsMarlinsMarlinsRedsWhere both sides sit in the division they share, with each marked.
Los Angeles Dodgers91-59.607W1San Diego Padres81-68.544W7
Arizona Diamondbacks79-71.527L2San Francisco Giants62-89.411L4
Colorado Rockies55-94.369L7
