Game Preview: Marlins (5-3) vs. Nationals (5-2) (4/9/14)

Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
The Marlins look to end their season long 2-game losing streak (giggling) as they take on the Washington Nationals in the nation’s capital on Wednesday night. Jacob Turner was scheduled to make the start but manager Mike Redmond announced after the game last night that he was being scratched due to a shoulder injury sustained during batting practice.

In his place, Brad Hand will take the mound. To me, Hand is a better pitcher right now anyway. You hate to see someone lose their role based on an injury, but if Turner doesn’t hurry back, that just might be the case. I have thought all preseason that Hand is pitching better than Turner anyway.

The Marlins offense doesn’t catch any breaks as they face another ace in Jordan Zimmermann tonight. The Marlins will need to capitalize when they get runners on base, because it won’t happen often. Zimmermann is a hard throwing right-hander who strikes out a lot of batters, a Marlins weakness. Zimmermann is making his second start of the season, and is coming off of a stellar debut against the Braves.

Pitching Match-ups:

Brad Hand:

Jordan Zimmermann

Starting Lineups:

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Yelich finds himself back in the lineup and again leading off tonight. To me, this is one of the Marlins better lineups. I like Yelich in the leadoff spot until Rafael Furcal gets back, and if Dietrich can overcome his recent fielding woes, he is worthy of a spot due to his solid bat. The Marlins need to get Garrett Jones going, and he will likely be tested hitting behind Stanton.

Nationals fans should be happy to see Ryan Zimmerman back in the starting lineup. His return also coincides with a drop in the order for the struggling Bryce Harper. It will be interesting to see if manager Matt Williams shake up gets the talented outfielder going again.

Predictions:

This is another bad matchup for the Marlins. Jordan Zimmermann is a beast and it will be difficult for the Marlins to push across runs. They are fortunate that Brad Hand is pitching for them, but I have to wonder if the constant changing in routine will be an issue for Hand. Last night I was wrong only in my prediction that the Marlins would score 2 runs. Unfortunately, I don’t see the Marlins victorious on this night either. I predict another low scoring affair and a 4-1 Nationals victory. I hope I am wrong!