Miami Marlins and Tampa Bay Rays: Three Stories To Watch

Can the Miami Marlins Expect More From Bour? 

Just in time, the Marlins first baseman might just be shaking out his slumber. Justin Bour essentially was the offense in Sunday’s finale against the Pirates, clubbing 6 RBI along with a HR.

The big question though is can he keep this production going?

Naturally not at that pace, but can he build on this and get to hitting .250? Bour has been struggling to stay over the Mendoza Line all season long. To the point that visions of starting one of Miami’s two multi-purpose infielders at first instead, have started dancing in my head.

Three of the four projected starting pitchers for Tampa are righties, so Bour will get to face the Rays at his best. If we continue to see hard-hit balls and quality at bats, Marlins fans might be able to breathe a little easier.

However, I would also add a subplot here. If Bour himself DHs at any point in this series, pay extra-special attention to the performance of whoever starts at first in his place. Don Mattingly might just be working on Plan B.