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After losing 3-1 the last two games, the Marlins will try and get their inconsistent offense going against fighting Friars before heading back to Miami to kick-off a nine game homestand against the Nationals, said Padres, and the Mets. They may yet head home minus a current Marlin or two, including the guy on the mound for the Fish today, Mat Latos.
Pitching Matchup
| PROJ ERA | FIP | ERA | MARLINS | PADRES | ERA | FIP | PROJ ERA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.53 | 3.32 | 4.48 | Latos | Despaigne | 4.98 | 4.73 | 4.03 |
Odrisamer Despaigne has one of the better baseball player names in the game today, unfortunately his stuff doesn't make him the complete package. He had lost his starting rotation spot to Brandon Morrow in spring training but Morrow's been shut down since May with a shoulder injury. Despaigne doesn't miss a lot of bats, doesn't have exceptional velocity and he's had a problem with the longball this year. In short, he's hittable. Hit him, Marlins.
I figure this will be Latos' last start with the Fish, as he's been largely effective since returning from the DL and there is a deep market for starting pitching given the amount of teams that remain in contention...some team is going to be able and willing to dangle just enough to snag him. So channel some fire into this start against your old Pad squad, and do the best you can for your teammates, by making yourself as valuable as possible.
Derek Dietrich will pick up the start in left field today and bat 6th after hitting a homerun in yesterday's contest, and Miguel Rojas will spell Adeiny Hechavarria at shortstop, batting 8th.
Notes:
- Today's big trade: After almost getting traded before his excellent start against the Rockies yesterday, Johnny Cueto has officially been shipped to the Kansas City Royals. No word yet on the exact return, but the presently rumored package is Brandon Finnegan and prospects Bubba Starling and Christian Binford. Left-hander John Lamb may also be a part of the package (in addition or in lieu).
- If the Steve Cishek trade wasn't enough for you, don't worry! Dan Haren, Michael Morse and the aforementioned Latos and Dietrich are all names swirling around the trade rumor whirlpool in the past 24 hours. Something is going to happen, we just don't know what yet. Exciting!
Bold Prediction: Marlins get the split by beating the Padres 5-1.