Series Preview: Miami Marlins vs San Diego Padres

MIAMI, FLORIDA - JULY 24: Miguel Rojas #19 of the Miami Marlins fields the ball for a double play as Trent Grisham #2 of the San Diego Padres fails to slide into second base in the ninth inning at loanDepot park on July 24, 2021 in Miami, Florida. The Miami Marlins challenged the call of not being out at first base for slide interfernce and it was overturned. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - JULY 24: Miguel Rojas #19 of the Miami Marlins fields the ball for a double play as Trent Grisham #2 of the San Diego Padres fails to slide into second base in the ninth inning at loanDepot park on July 24, 2021 in Miami, Florida. The Miami Marlins challenged the call of not being out at first base for slide interfernce and it was overturned. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)

After struggling mightily over the weekend suffering a three-game series sweep in Colorado, the Miami Marlins now travel a bit further west for three more games against another NL West opponent. Sporting a 3-7 record across their last 10 games, the Marlins were outscored 34-13 through three games against the Rockies with a trip to San Diego to face the Padres up next.

The Padres enter this series holding a 2.5 game lead for the second NL Wild Card spot, and with a 5-5 record in their last 10 games. An excellent home team, San Diego is coming off a three-game series win over the Diamondbacks at Petco Park where the Padres hold a 38-23 record this season.

Miami Marlins (47-65, 5th in NL East) vs San Diego Padres (64-49, 3rd in NL West)

The Marlins have gotten some phenomenal play recently from shortstop Miguel Rojas who entered play Tuesday slashing .304/.360/.565 over his six games, and did nothing to slow down Sunday going 1-for-2 at the plate. Miami has also gotten strong play from others, most notable outfielder Lewis Brinson who is slashing .320/.346/.560 over his last seven games, three of which were multi-hit.

The Padres are currently without star shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr due to an injury, but still display a deep lineup headlined by third baseman Manny Machado and first baseman Jake Cronenworth. One player in particular is swinging a hot-bat at the moment however is outfielder Trent Grisham who entered play Sunday slashing .438/.526/.750 across his last five games.

Miami and San Diego recently met a little over two weeks ago at loanDepot Park, a series in which these two teams split 2-2. This series may end up being different with the Padres badly needing wins as they chase a 2021 postseason appearance, but don’t be surprised if a motivated Marlins team can win at-least one, maybe two here.

Series Prediction: Padres 2-1

Schedule