Series Preview: A Dodger-Greinke reunion

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Jun 7, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zack Greinke (21) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports /

Tale of the Tape:

Record: Dodgers (33-31), Diamondbacks (28-37)

Batting: Dodgers (.232/.308/.374), Diamondbacks (.263/.326/.431)

Pitching: Dodgers (3.37 ERA), Diamondbacks (4.73 ERA)

Both of these teams have been major disappointments this season, but the Dodgers have been better than Arizona because of better pitching.

Pitching starts with the ace of the staff, and the two aces in this series are the top storyline. For the first time since leaving the Dodgers, Zack Greinke will face his former club on Monday night at Chase.

In his last five starts Greinke has returned to dominating opposing batters like he did during his time in blue. He is 8-1 with a 3.05 ERA in his last 11 starts. He has finally become the ace that puts up goose eggs that this rotation has needed since Opening Day.

He is coming off his best start of the season, a shutout against the Rays, and is mixing all of his pitches well. He has also figured out how to pitch at Chase Field which has been his biggest problem.

Greinke doesn’t get to face Clayton Kershaw because of how the matchups lined up, which would have made this story ten times better. But emotions will be at a peak when Zack steps on the mound in the top of the first.