Pregame Notes: Chicago Cubs open series at Dodgers, 9:10 p.m. CT

The Chicago Cubs will send rookie Kyle Hendricks to the mound against the red-hot Los Angeles Dodgers, who have six straight games, the three-game series opener Friday night at 9:10 p.m. CT on WGN.

Hendricks, 24, grew up just an hour from L.A. and will make his debut in front of his hometown for his fourth Major League start. He has allowed five earned runs over 19 2/3 innings this season and threw seven shutout innings against the San Diego Padres on July 22. The right-hander followed up that performance when he allowed one run on seven hits against National League Central rival St. Louis on Sunday.

Dan Haren will get the start for the Dodgers in the opener. Haren has dropped his last four starts, lasting 5 1/3 innings or less in all. Haren last pitched on July 23, when he allowed five runs on four hits and three walks in five innings against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Outfielder Nate Schierholtz returns to the starting lineup in the eight hole for the first time since the Cubs’ marathon 16 inning victory over the Rockies Tuesday. Schierholtz is 3-for-22 with a .136 average in his last 10 games.

For more Chicago Cubs conversation and updates follow us on Twitter @CubbiesCrib and Like our Facebook page at Cubbies Crib.