Manny Ramirez hit a pair of home runs on Saturday to help end the Dodgers' losing streak and inch closer to the first-place Diamondbacks, according to Los Angeles Daily News. Ramirez hit two home runs, doubled, and scored three runs. The game, a 6-2 victory for Los Angeles, also marked the first time in his career that he had back-to-back four-hit games. "He can do so much with his presence in our lineup," Dodgers' pitcher Chad Billingsley said. "He is an absolutely great teammate, and he always has so much energy. To be able to bring that to the clubhouse and onto the field, and with what he can do on a field, he can make a team so much better." The Dodgers are now 3 1/2 games back in the NL West.

The Los Angeles Dodgers lost their eight-straight game on Friday night against the Diamondbacks, and have fallen 4.5 games back of Arizona in the NL West, according to Associated Press. "We need to find a way to get this stuff straightened out," Dodgers manager Joe Torre said. "There's still plenty of time left. Right now, the last couple of weeks have been ugly." The Dodgers were swept by the Phillies in a four-game series and lost three-straight to the Nationals before the opener against the Diamondbacks on Friday night. Two weeks ago the Dodgers were just one game out of first place in the division.

The Dodgers could decide to add Brian Fuentes to their bullpen despite the success of closer Jonathan Broxton, according to Los Angeles Times. Colorado put Fuentes on waivers, and the Dodgers would have a great shot at claiming him and working a trade with the Rockies. Fuentes, a three-time All-Star, is eligible for free agency this fall and has converted 13 consecutive save opportunities and 26 of 30, overall.

Dodgers' centerfielder Andruw Jones tried out first base on Saturday night while rehabbing at Triple-A Las Vegas, according to The Los Angeles Times. Jones has never played first base in the Major Leagues, but Manager Joe Torre hasn't ruled out the chance that he could try first base upon his return to Los Angeles. "That's what we obviously balanced," General Manager Ned Colletti said Sunday of putting Jones at an unfamiliar position. "His knee wasn't feeling as good as he wanted, but he didn't want to sit out another day." Jones has been on the disabled list because of tendinitis in his left knee.

Astros' catcher Brad Ausmus has said that he won't return to Houston next season but that doesn't mean he's definitely going to retire, according to The Rocky Mountain News. Ausmus lives in the San Diego area and could sign on with the Padres, Angels or Dodgers in other to remain close to home.

The Los Angeles Times reported on Monday night that the team had completed a deal with the Padres for veteran right-hander Greg Maddux. Citing an anonymous person close to the deal, the newspaper did not know who San Diego would receive in return. Maddux has a 3.99 ERA this season but is only 6-9 for a Padres team that has languished in last place in the weak NL West.

The Dodgers are still expressing interest in Padres starting pitcher Greg Maddux, according to The Los Angeles Daily News. Maddux was acquired by the Dodgers at the trading deadline two years ago, helping Los Angeles win the NL Wild Card that season. Maddux is believed to have cleared waivers.

The Dodgers are known to have interest in San Diego's Greg Maddux. The Dodgers don't need a fifth starter until Saturday at Philadelphia, and for now, mMnager Joe Torre plans to use either left-hander Eric Stults or right-hander Jason Johnson for that game.

Jeff Kent came into Saturday's game batting .500 since the arrival of Manny Ramirez, a point frequently made by sportswriters and Vin Scully. "Vin Scully talks too much," Kent said. "I'm so tired of talking about this stuff. It diminishes my whole career and all the hard work. I take it as an insult. "I'm 40. You don't get better when you are 40."

Dodgers' Manager Joe Torre claims that pitcher Brad Penny is probably out for the season, according to The Los Angeles Times. "I can't think Penny's going to be back," Torre said. "Nothing anybody has said makes me say that. It's off what happened this year." Penny could start throwing on Tuesday, but a recent MRI indicated an increase in scar tissue in the front part of his shoulder. Heading into Sunday's action, the Dodgers were a game behind the Diamondbacks for first-place in the NL West.