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After a wretched homestand that saw the Marlins go 2-8, three starting pitchers hit the DL and, oh yeah, a controversial managerial change, the Fish swim upstream to Pennsylvania to take on the Pirates. Like many teams in baseball this season the Pirates have struggled to reach .500, currently boasting a 21-22 record. They've gone 4-6 in their last 10 but are coming off of a three game home sweep of the New York Mets. Miami, meanwhile, will be looking to build off of it's modest two game winning streak. With 117 games left to go in the season, the Marlins still have some time to turn things around, but we need to start seeing some of these inroads now.
Pitching Matchup
| PROJ ERA | FIP | ERA | MARLINS | PIRATES | ERA | FIP | PROJ ERA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.69 | 2.72 | 3.21 | Phelps | Morton | - | - | 3.91 |
Charlie Morton is making his season debut following his recovery from hip surgery, replacing Vance Worley in the Bucco's rotation. In the past he has featured a two-seam fastball that averages between 91-92 MPH and a curveball that hits 78 MPH. The 31 year old right-hander only gave up two earned runs in 14 innings against the Marlins last year.
David Phelps comes off of his worst start as a Marlins, giving up four runs in five innings whilst walking and striking out three. Aside from that, he has been the Marlins most consistent starter and I'm sure Dan Jennings would like to see him go deep in this one to rest his taxed late inning guys.
J.T. Realmuto returns to the line-up after a day off and slots into the 6th hole, moving Christian Yelich down to the 7th spot. Martin Prado is riding a seven game hit streak and was a big contributor in the past couple of games. On Pittsburgh's side of the ledger, Andrew McCutchen had started out pretty slowly but has come on as of late, swatting three homeruns in his past four games.
Notes:
- The Marlins are 79-89 against the Pirates all-time. They went 2-4 last season against Pittsburgh.
- Marc over at U.S.S. Mariner had an interesting piece a couple of days back where he talked about the Marlins (and Mariners) pen at length. TLDR: "...a great FIP doesn't always translate into great results."
- "Happy" Memorial Day is somewhat of a misnomer as it is a day designated to remember those who have fallen in service, nevertheless, enjoy yourselves wherever you are in their names, today.
Bold Prediction: Marlins defeat Pirates 6-4.