Marlins Look To Play Spoiler Versus Nationals

The Miami Marlins may not be part of the National League playoff hunt, but they can help decide which teams make the postseason.

The Miami Marlins open a four-game series against the National at Marlins Park. For Miami, it’s a chance to reverse the fortunes of the series they played against Washington on the road before the All-Star Break. It also could damage their rival’s chances of gaining ground on the Atlanta Braves and the Philadelphia Phillies.

Washington is currently 50-51, seven games back of the division lead. Miami sits in fourth place, percentage points ahead of the last place New York Mets.

Miami gives the ball to Dan Straily, who has been the team’s most consistent pitcher over the last month. Miami is 3-2 since the All-Star Break, which includes a series win over the Tampa Bay Rays.

Miami split a two-game series with the Atlanta Braves.

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Per MLB.com, the month of July has been good to Straily, who continues to give the team quality starts on the mound. In his four starts, he has posted a 2.42 ERA with seven earned runs allowed in 26 innings. He has pitched seven innings in two of the last four starts.

This start could also be one of the last Straily pitches in a Miami uniform. With the MLB non-waiver trade deadline less than a week away, there has been some talk he could be traded. The Milwaukee Brewers are said to be interested.

This is Straily’s second season with Miami. He was traded by the Cincinnati Reds in 2017. He was second on the team in wins with 10 and was penciled in as the team’s No. 2 starter until inflammation in his throwing arm sent him to the disabled list for the first time in his career.

Washington counters with Tommy Milone, who replaced the injured Stephen Strasburg who was placed on the disabled list.