Atlanta @ Los Angeles preview

Last Meeting ( May 19, 2013 ) LA Dodgers 2, Atlanta 5

Two of the more intriguing rookies in the major leagues will go head-to-head Thursday when the Los Angeles Dodgers host the Atlanta Braves in the opener of a four-game series. Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig created a stir this week after he was brought up from the minors and went 5-for-8 in his first two games with two home runs. He also unleashed an amazing throw from the warning track in right field to first base for a game-ending double play in his debut Tuesday.

Braves catcher/left fielder Evan Gattis continued his torrid season with another home run Wednesday, giving him 13, the most among all major-league rookies. Gattis, who was named the National League Rookie of the Month for April and May, was expected to be a plug-in while starting catcher Brian McCann recovered from shoulder surgery, but has been playing so well the Braves have been forced to use him in left field as well.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, Fox Sports South (Atlanta), Fox Sports Prime Ticket (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Tim Hudson (4-4, 4.80 ERA) vs. Dodgers RH Zack Greinke (2-1, 4.80)

Hudson, who has never had a losing season in his previous 14 years in the big leagues, has gone winless in his last five starts, something that hasn’t happened since the first half of the 2011 season. Hudson is 6-3 in 13 career starts against Los Angeles with a 3.67 ERA, but hasn’t pitched against the club since April 2011. Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez is 8-for-17 with two home runs in his career against Hudson.

Hudson and Greinke matched up in May 2011 in the debut for Greinke as a member of the Milwaukee Brewers. Hudson threw a one-hitter for Atlanta, facing two batters over the minimum, while Greinke left after allowing five runs (four earned) and five hits in four innings of the 8-0 loss. Atlanta outfielder Justin Upton doesn’t seem to have any trouble against Greinke, the 2009 National League Cy Young Award winner. He is 5-for-9 in his career with a home run.

WALK-OFFS

1. Hudson is hitting .273 this season with a home run and three RBIs. His .333 on-base percentage is higher than Dodger OFs Andre Ethier (.322) and Matt Kemp (.305).

2. Dodgers OF Scott Van Slyke has 14 hits this season, six of which have gone for home runs and five for doubles.

3. Dodgers SS Hanley Ramirez is 1-for-7 since coming off the disabled list with a hamstring injury.

PREDICTION: Braves 4, Dodgers 2