New York Mets @ Miami Marlins Game Preview: Tuesday, April 30th 7:10 PM EST (Game 27)

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Apr 25, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Kevin Slowey (45) looks on from the dugout in the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Even when the Miami Marlins win in 2013, they lose. Despite the team being on their first winning streak of the season, pessemism surround the team, as Giancarlo Stanton looks like he will be out for the foreseeable future with a strained hamstring. The Marlins placed Stanton on the Disabled List, along with first baseman Joe Mahoney, and called up pitcher Brad Hand and top prospect Marcell Ozuna.

Ozuna will be in the Marlins starting lineup tonight, making his Major League debut. I ranked Ozuna as the Marlins sixth best prospect prior to the season and David Polakoff had a informative profile of Ozuna this morning.

The Marlins will be searching for their third straight win and first series victory of the season. They will do so behind their most consistent starting pitcher in 2013.

Pitching Matchup:

IPERAFIPMetsDateMarlinsIPERAFIP
21.05.147.90HefnerApril 30Slowey29.22.433.70

Projected Lineup

LineupPlayer AVG.OBP.SLG %
1Juan Pierre.217.250.250
2Donovan Solano
.253.320.275
3Placido Polanco.264.316.308
4Greg Dobbs.240.310.320
5Justin Ruggiano
.238.304.417
6Marcell Ozuna
7Miguel Olivo.194.242.419
8Nick Green
.318.320.455

It is very scary how powerless this lineup is for the Marlins. Unfortunately for manager Mike Redmond, he does not many other options.

It is fantastic to see Juan Pierre back in the Marlins lineup after the scare he received last night. Pierre was plunked on the hand by a Bobby Parnell fastball in the 10th inning and looked to be in an immense amount of pain. Luckily, Pierre was able to finish the game, although I don’t think he had much of a choice when Stanton went down with his injury.

Ozuna has a ton of power in his bat, so he should be exciting to watch if he can make contact with the ball. If is a major question for Ozuna at this point.

Bold Prediction: Marcell Ozuna goes 1-for-4 in his major league debut, collecting a double in his second at bat. The Marlins are able to jump on Jeremy Hefner early and jump out to a lead. Slowey enjoys another quality start and continues proves to be the Marlins best offseason signing. Marlins win 6-3.