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Marlins vs. Mets: Game 131 Thread

Game one of four in New York.

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Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

First, the bad news:

Now, the good news: It's José Day.

The Marlins, despite the sub-par month, are still 1.5 games out of the wild card standings, as their direct competition has likewise been scuffling along.

Speaking of direct competition, the Marlins have a chance to directly impact the fortunes of one of them in the form of the New York Mets. Doing awesome things for the Fish today with be Jose Fernandez. Imitating his betters for the Mets will be Rafael Montero.

Pitching Match-up:

Team Starter ERA FIP 2016 ZIPS Projected ERA
NYM Rafael Montero 11.57 1.86 3.91
MIA José Fernández 2.91 2.23 2.65

I was surprised to learn that this will be the first start of the season for Rafael Montero, who to this point in 2016 has only appeared in two games. I guess that's what happens when you have a super rotation, but with injuries to Matt Harvey and Steven Matz and now with Jacob deGrom experiencing fatigue, Montero's turn has finally come. He had actually been demoted to AA after struggling in AAA this year, so the expectation should be that even the present day, light-hitting version of the Marlins can put a dent in him.

I have run out of superlatives for José; he is flat amazing and we're lucky to watch him on a regular basis.

Today's Lineups

MIAMI MARLINS NEW YORK METS
Dee Gordon - 2B Jose Reyes - SS
Martin Prado - 3B Alejandro De Aza - CF
Christian Yelich - LF Yoenis Cespedes - LF
Marcell Ozuna - CF Kelly Johnson - 3B
J.T. Realmuto - C Curtis Granderson - RF
Ichiro Suzuki - RF Wilmer Flores - 2B
Xavier Scruggs - 1B James Loney - 1B
Adeiny Hechavarria - SS Travis d'Arnaud - C
Jose Fernandez - RHP Rafael Montero - RHP

Bold Prediction: Marlins take game one behind brilliant pitching, 4-1.