Miami Marlins: Five Marlins to watch this week

Jul 12, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins left fielder Christian Yelich (L) and first baseman Justin Bour (R) both celebrate after scoring runs during the fourth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

As I stated in today’s Morning Catch, this week stands as the biggest week of the season for Marlins fans. Some of the players on this list most likely won’t be Marlins come July 31st.

Upcoming Schedule:

Tuesday, July 28: vs. Nationals — 7:10 ET

Wednesday, July 29: vs. Nationals — 7:10 ET

Thursday, July 30: vs. Nationals — 12:10 ET

Friday, July 31: vs. Padres — 7:10 ET

Saturday, August 1: vs. Padres — 4:10 ET

Sunday, August 2: vs. Padres — 1:10 ET

Without further ado, here are my top five Marlins to watch this week!

Jul 26, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher

(35) pitches against the San Diego Padres during the first inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Mat Latos

We’ll start with someone who most likely won’t appear on the field for the Marlins this week. Latos has posted four quality starts in a row leading into the trade deadline. His next start may be seen in a different uniform, but for now he stays in Miami. Latos is scheduled to start on Friday, so don’t be surprised if he becomes scratched for that one.

Jun 12, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins third baseman

(14) at bat in the second inning of a game against the Colorado Rockies at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

Martin Prado

Prado himself has also been mentioned in trade rumors, receiving interest from the Royals. Miami’s utility infielder possessed a five game hit streak coming into Sunday, when he left the game hitless. If Dee Gordon returns this week, it will be interesting to see how Prado’s playing time is impacted.

Jul 10, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins second baseman Dee Gordon (9) falls striking out on a pitch by Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher

(not pictured) in the eighth inning at Marlins Park. The Reds won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

Dee Gordon

Speaking of Gordon, reports suggest that the Marlins second baseman may return Tuesday. One thing to watch would be how his injured thumb has impacted his swing, and if he can still hit like he did throughout the first half. Another topic surrounding his return is playing time. While Gordon will be playing every day, that leaves just one position for Martin Prado and Derek Dietrich, who have both hit well lately.

Jul 11, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins pinch hitter Derek Dietrich (32) hits a single during the fifth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Derek Dietrich

While there has been some trade talk surrounding Dietrich, I’m more interested in watching for his playing time. I wrote an article yesterday discussing this topic, and would like to see how his playing time is influenced by a possible return of Dee Gordon. Dietrich has also been hot of late, homering in two of his last three games at third base. Expect this underplayed utility man to see his field time shortened again.

Follow Marlin Maniac on Twitter @MarlinManiac for all of your Marlins updates, news, analysis, and more!

Next: Brace yourselves...