August Presents Another Opportunity for Marlins

NEW YORK — Nobody is happier to turn the page to August than Clayton McCullough's Miami Marlins.

After a record-setting June, during which the Marlins went 20-6 and, at one point, held a three-game lead for the National League's final Wild Card spot, Miami stumbled in July.

The Marlins finished 10-15 in July, including a franchise-record 12-game losing streak from July 10-26.

The skid ended July 27 with a victory over the Philadelphia Phillies in the series opener at loanDepot park.

As the Marlins turn the page to August, their focus remains on their play on the field while also keeping an eye on what has become a tight National League playoff race.

Entering Saturday’s third game of a four-game series against the New York Mets at Citi Field — a game that ended in a 6-2 win — Miami was 56-55 and trailed the Phillies by 1.5 games for the National League’s final Wild Card spot.

Great news went Miami's way to begin the month, as outfielder Owen Caissie (right calf strain) returned from his rehab assignment and was reinstated from the 10-day injured list.

Caissie, who wasn't in the starting lineup Saturday, last played July 8 against the Seattle Mariners in right field before being replaced early in the contest by Griffin Conine.

His return gives Miami another offensive option as the club enters the most important stretch of its season.

The Marlins have relied heavily on contributions from young players throughout the year, and getting healthy reinforcements back could prove valuable as they attempt to stay in the playoff conversation.

There are several key series on tap for the Marlins in August, including a three-game road series against the Atlanta Braves (65-45) from Aug. 4-6 at Truist Park, giving Miami an opportunity to test itself against a very good ballclub.

Miami will host the Pittsburgh Pirates (55-56) from Aug. 11-13 at loanDepot park as part of a six-game homestand.

The two clubs are neck and neck in the latest Wild Card standings.

The Marlins will travel to Citizens Bank Park to take on the Phillies (57-53) from Aug. 17-19, a club they recently swept at loanDepot park and have had some success against.

Later in the month, the Marlins will play a critical seven-game stretch against the Washington Nationals (55-56).

From Aug. 21-23, the two clubs will square off at loanDepot park, followed by a four-game series at Nationals Park from Aug. 28-31.

With the Wild Card race expected to remain competitive through the final month and a half of the season, August represents an opportunity for Miami to prove its June surge was more than just a hot streak.

McCullough's group will need consistency, improved pitching and timely hitting if they hope to make a serious push toward October baseball.