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)
- Monday, August 9 – 10:10 pm ET – Zach Thompson (2-4, 2.53 ERA) vs Joe Musgrove (7-7, 2.87 ERA)
- Tuesday, August 10 – 10:10 pm ET – TBD vs Craig Stammen (5-2, 2.71 ERA)
- Wednesday, August 11 – 4:10 pm ET – Sandy Alcantara (6-10, 3.70 ERA) vs TBD
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