As the Miami Marlins (44-75, 5th NL East) face off against the Philadelphia Phillies (69-49, 1st NL East) on Wednesday, the stakes are high for both teams. This matchup wraps up a brief two-game series, with both squads enjoying a rest day prior to the series. The initial game took place on Tuesday night, and the Phillies hold a slight advantage in the season series, leading 4-3 before the game. Edward Cabrera (5.20 ERA) will take the mound for the Marlins, while Tyler Phillips (4.83 ERA) is set to pitch for the Phillies. The first pitch from Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia is slated for 6:40 PM EST.
Marlins Make Management Changes
The Miami Marlins have recently made significant changes within their organization, parting ways with several executives, including two assistant general managers. This shift reflects the team’s commitment to rebuilding, as they currently sit 25.5 games behind the division leaders and rank among the lowest in MLB standings alongside the Colorado Rockies and Chicago White Sox. Despite their tough season, the Marlins have shown competitiveness against the Phillies, narrowly trailing in their season matchup. In their latest game against the San Diego Padres, Jake Burger demonstrated his power, hitting a home run for the third consecutive game and emerging as a key player for Miami.
Burger expressed his enthusiasm following the game, noting, “My wife texted me after the game and said, ‘Are you even human now?’ I’ve always believed I’m one of the best power hitters in the game. I recognize that this streak won’t last forever, but if I can maintain this level of performance, I believe I can have a successful career.” He currently leads the Marlins with 22 home runs and 53 RBIs, batting second as the team’s third baseman. Xavier Edwards, batting leadoff, has been impressive since July 1st, leading MLB in hits, boasting a batting average of .357, although he hasn’t accumulated enough at-bats to qualify for league leader status. Jesus Sanchez, batting third, contributes with 14 home runs and 46 RBIs this season.
Edward Cabrera, a 26-year-old right-handed pitcher, will make his 13th start of the season. With a record of 2-3, the Marlins have performed well in his recent outings, going 3-2 in his last three starts. Cabrera’s ERA stands at 5.20, with 68 strikeouts and 31 walks, having allowed 10 home runs throughout the season. In his last appearance, he delivered seven scoreless innings against the Padres, although the Marlins ultimately fell in extra innings.
Phillies Face Challenges in Arizona
The Philadelphia Phillies encountered a tough stretch against the Arizona Diamondbacks, losing three out of four games during their recent series. Philly was outscored 26-8 over the final three games, yet they still maintain a solid lead in the NL East, sitting seven games ahead of the Atlanta Braves. However, the Dodgers have overtaken them for the best record in the National League, leading by half a game. In their final matchup against Arizona, Alex Bohm contributed with a two-RBI double in the first inning, but the team ended up losing 12-5.
Bohm is having a standout season, earning an All-Star selection and leading the Phillies with 80 RBIs while hitting .297—making him the team’s top batter. Typically occupying the cleanup position, he has been a consistent source of runs. Kyle Schwarber, who recently hit three home runs in a game against the Dodgers, has struggled against the Diamondbacks, failing to record a hit in his last three games against them. He serves as the leadoff hitter and has contributed 27 home runs and 74 RBIs this season. Bryce Harper, batting third, trails Schwarber closely with 26 home runs and has a batting average of .279 with 72 RBIs. Trae Turner bats second and adds value with 13 home runs, a .301 average, and 14 stolen bases.
Tyler Phillips will take the mound for the Phillies, marking his sixth start of the season. The 26-year-old right-hander holds a 4-1 record and has guided the team to a 4-1 mark in his last four starts. His ERA is 4.83, with 23 strikeouts against six walks, and he has allowed six home runs this season. In his most recent outing, Phillips pitched five innings, yielding four runs in a victory over the Dodgers.
Predictions for Marlins vs. Phillies
Expect the Phillies to bounce back against the Marlins, especially with Tyler Phillips on the mound, who has shown promise since joining the starting rotation. The Phillies have won four of his last five starts, including a complete game shutout against the Guardians, a top team in the American League Central. On the other hand, Cabrera’s 5.20 ERA presents challenges for the Marlins as they face a formidable Phillies lineup. After a rough series in Arizona, the Phillies must regain their momentum against weaker opponents like the Marlins if they hope to compete for the top spot in the National League. Look for the Phillies to secure a victory and cover the run line in this matchup.
