LOOKING AHEAD

DODGERS

Opponent: Philadelphia Phillies

Series: Monday, 7 p.m.; Tuesday, 7 p.m.; Wednesday, 7 p.m.; Thursday, 7 p.m.

Site: Dodger Stadium.

Matchup: Jim Thome, Pat Burrell and Bobby Abreu, in their first seasons of multiyear deals totaling $199 million, are off to solid run-producing starts for the improved Phillies, combining for six home runs and 40 runs batted in through Thursday. The off-season acquisition of starter Kevin Millwood from the Atlanta Braves also is paying off for Philadelphia. The experienced right-hander has fit in well with a talented young group that includes Vicente Padilla, Randy Wolf and Brett Myers. These Phillies also believe they’re among the best in the National League, so this figures to be a good early-season test for the Dodgers.

Opponent: Pittsburgh Pirates

Series: Friday, 7 p.m.; Saturday, 7 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m.

Site: Dodger Stadium.

Matchup: Anything in the neighborhood of .500 is a good start for the small-market Pirates, so things are about as good as can be expected at PNC Park. The Pirate rotation has provided a solid foundation to this point, and Jeff Suppan has been the key to its success. The right-hander has been one of the league’s best starters after spending most of his career in the American League. With the exception of catcher Jason Kendall (.338), the Pirates haven’t done much offensively. The loss of All-Star outfielder Brian Giles (sprained knee ligament) has further weakened a talent-thin batting order.