Miami Marlins vs Toronto Blue Jays Series Preview

After going 2-4 on a road-trip against NL Central opponents, the Miami Marlins return home for a six-game homestand.

After suffering a series sweep in St. Louis, the Miami Marlins were able to take two-of-three in Chicago in an impressive showing. Now facing a six-game stretch at home, the Marlins need to compile some wins after struggling over the past two weeks. First up, the Toronto Blue Jays.

The Blue Jays come to town sitting right at .500, but are 4-6 in their last 10 games. Toronto is one of the top run scoring teams in baseball scoring 351 runs total on the season, and are a good road team with a 22-19 record away from home. Toronto and Miami have previously met for two games earlier this month, with Toronto winning both by a combined score of 11-6.

The first pitch times and probable pitching matchups for each game of the series can be found below (Games at loanDepot Park, Miami, FL):

Miami Marlins (31-40, 5th in NL East) vs Toronto Blue Jays (35-35, 4th in AL East)

Tuesday, June 22

First Pitch: 7:10 pm ET

Probable Starters: Sandy Alcantara (4-6, 3.09 ERA) vs Ross Stripling (2-4, 4.64 ERA)

Wednesday, June 23

First Pitch: 7:10 pm ET

Probable Starters: Trevor Rogers (7-3, 1.87 ERA) vs TBD

Blue Jays Players to Watch

• 1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr (# 27) – .337 AVG, 23 HR, 59 RBI
• 2B Marcus Semien (#10) – .283 AVG, 18 HR, 42 RBI, 9 SB
• SS Bo Bichette (#11) – .279 AVG, 14 HR, 47 RBI, 10 SB

Key To Win Series: Pitching

The Blue Jays, despite a .500 record, are a very good offensive team led by AL MVP candidate Vladimir Guerrero Jr. The Marlins pitching must be on point in these two games in order to beat a very good team, while also taking advantage of run scoring opportunities.

Series Predictions

Offensive MVP: Adam Duvall

Duvall had a massive first two games in Chicago where he combined to go 5/8 at the plate with 4 HR’s, 6 runs scored, and 10 RBI’s. The veteran outfielder has now collected a hit nine of his last 12 games, and should keep swinging a hot-bat here.

Pitching MVP: Rogers and Alcantara

The Marlins will be starting arguably their two best pitchers for these two games against Toronto. Playing a team that can score runs as often as the Blue Jays, Miami will need two strong starts from Rogers and Alcantara.

Bold Prediction: Duvall with 2 HR’s

We’ve seen how good Duvall can be when he is consistently making hard contact. Are we in for another impressive showing from the veteran slugger here?