New York Mets @ Miami Marlins Game Preview: Friday, May 31st 7:10 PM EST (Game 55)

Aug. 29, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Jacob Turner (left) talks with catcher John Buck (right) as pitching coach Randy St. Claire (51) heads towards the mound during the fourth inning against the Washington Nationals at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

After dropping another game last night to the Tampa Bay Rays, the Marlins have lost nine consecutive ball games. The Marlins are now a major league worst 13-41, four games worst than the Houston Astros. The Marlins have won just 5 games in the month of May and head into a month that they have struggled in the past two seasons.

Good news is on the horizon for the Marlins as Logan Morrison and Nathan Eovaldi could be back with the team within a week. The Major League Baseball Ameatur Draft also takes place next Thursday, so the Marlins will have a nice opportunity to build on their young core.

As for tonight’s game, Jacob Turner, who was promoted last night, will be making his season debut for the Fish. The Marlins hope he pitches better during the season than he has in Triple-A or during the Spring. The Mets will counter with Shaun Marcum.

To get better prepared for the game, check out the chat I had with Yahoo! contributor Matt Musico.

Probable Starters

Mar 19, 2013; Jupiter, FL, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Jacob Turner (left) talks with catcher Rob Brantly (right) in the fourth inning during a spring training game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

2013 stats
Games/Games Started7/6
Innings Pitched34.1
Earned Run Averages (ERA)5.77
Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP)3.29
Strikeouts32
Walks8
Career vs. opponent
Innings Pitched7.1
Strikeouts4
Earned Run Average7.71

May 26, 2013; Flushing, NY,USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Shaun Marcum (38) pitches during the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Marlins Lineup

LineupPlayerCurrent wOBAProj. wOBA (Rest of Season)
1Juan Pierre.249.289
2Placido Polanco.252.278
3Derek Dietrich
.308.303
4Marcell Ozuna
.352.307
5Chris Coghlan.316.304
6Ed Lucas
.000.273
7Greg Dobbs.251.273
8Jeff Mathis.063.252

Bold Prediction: The Marlins are able to jump on Marcum early on and provide run support for Turner’s first start of the season. Check out my prediction for Turner’s pitching line here. Marlins win 5-3!