Riding momentum from a dominant Friday victory, the Miami Marlins leans on Tyler Phillips to narrow the Wild Card gap and snap a long-standing series drought in Queens.
MIAMI, Fla. – The Miami Marlins seek back-to-back wins at Citi Field.
Following a 5-2 win over the New York Mets on Friday, the Marlins are 1.5 games behind the Philadelphia Phillies for the final National League Wild Card spot. Janson Junk, Calvin Faucher, and Pete Fairbanks had strong performances on the mound.
The Marlins have an opportunity to build off the recent momentum and continue to climb the standings.
Probable Pitcher
For the visitors, righty Tyler Phillips is listed as the probable pitcher. Given the injuries to the Marlins’ pitching staff, the 28-year-old embraced an expanded role. In 11 starts this season, Phillips produced a 4.71 ERA and a 2-5 record in 49.2 innings. He has struck out 33 batters and given up 19 bases on balls.
Phillips goes to a sinker the most – 25.4 percent among six pitches. However, his sweeper (24.1 percent) has accounted for 21 of 63 total strikeouts on the season.
Meanwhile, the Mets list lefty Zac Thornton as the probable pitcher. In five starts, the Major League rookie has produced a 2.43 ERA and a 2-1 record in 29.2 innings. Thornton goes to a four-seamer (27.2) and cutter (25.7) over 20 percent of his seven pitches.
Game Notes
Marlins shortstop Otto Lopez has struggled in this series. He’s hitless in eight at-bats, including one strikeout. Second baseman Xavier Edwards has been in a slump since the All-Star break. He’s batted .212 with a .511 OPS (both below season averages), including 11 hits in 52 at-bats, a double, three runs batted in, five walks, and 16 strikeouts.
Lopez and Edwards are at the top of the Marlins’ lineup. Facing a rookie pitcher could be key in rediscovering an offensive rhythm.
First baseman Kyle Stowers has homered twice in this series, both solo. He’s logged three hits in seven at-bats, two runs batted in, and 10 total bases in the last two games at Citi Field. Given the struggles of Lopez and Edwards, Stowers’ offensive production could be the jolt the Marlins need to win Saturday’s game and the series.
The Marlins haven’t won back-to-back games at Citi Field since late August of 2025. All playoff hopes are on the line moving forward. The National League is trending in the Marlins’ favor, but the clubhouse needs to handle its own business first.
How to Watch and First Pitch
Saturday’s game will be televised on Marlin.TV and SNY. First pitch is scheduled for 4:10 p.m. Eastern Time.
