The Dodgers go for a third straight win on Saturday night as they host the Padres at Dodger Stadium.
LOS ANGELES -- Adrian Gonzalez fell victim to the flu that made its way through the Dodgers clubhouse last week but after a couple of days off the Dodgers first baseman looked every bit at full strength on Friday in the opener against the Padres. Gonzalez continued to torment his old team.
Gonzalez hit two home runs on Friday, his first multi-home run game of the season and fifth such game by the Dodgers this year. Manager Don Mattingly said both balls were "crushed" by Gonzalez, and A.J. Ellis said the two home runs would have been out of any ball park.
The home runs came after a 4-for-28 slump that partially coincided with the flu bug. Gonzalez said he first felt something on Saturday but the flu got worse by Monday morning.
After an 0-for-9 on Monday and Tuesday combined against Chicago, Gonzalez was given the day off in the series finale Wednesday against the Cubs. Coupled with no game on Thursday, Gonzalez had two full days of rest, and it showed.
Six of his team-leading 19 home runs this season have been hit against San Diego.
In his career Gonzalez has hit .387/.410/.634 in 23 games against his old team. His .387 mark is the fourth highest batting average all-time against the Padres (minimum 75 plate appearances) and tops among active players. But Gonzalez, lauded for his consistency, maintains the opponent doesn't matter to him.
"Our job is to come out and play, and not focus on who we're playing," Gonzalez said Friday. "We're not going to change what we're doing."
Gonzalez is 2-for-7 with a double against Andrew Cashner, starting for the Padres on Saturday night.
Roster move
Before Saturday's game the Padres activated Kyle Blanks from the disabled list, and put him in the starting lineup, batting fifth. San Diego optioned right-handed pitcher Anthony Bass to Triple-A Tucson.
Game info
Time: 6:10 p.m.
TV: Prime Ticket