Fresh off a sweep, the Miami Marlins bring a postseason push to Queens as Eury Perez battles Nolan McLean in a high-stakes clash of division rivals at Citi Field.
MIAMI, Fla. – Following a series sweep against the Philadelphia Phillies, the Miami Marlins turn the page to face another division rival, the New York Mets. Both sides are having polar-opposite seasons. The Marlins are two games behind the National League’s Wild Card spot with the league’s second-lowest cash payroll; meanwhile, the Mets are 17 games below .500 and have the most expensive roster,
Here is everything you need to know about Thursday’s series opener at Citi Field.
Probable Pitchers:
For the visitors, right-handed pitcher Eury Perez is listed as the probable starting pitcher. He’s produced a 3.56 ERA, 106 strikeouts, and a 5-8 record in 98.2 innings (18 games). Perez is among the league’s most promising young pitchers. The 23-year-old experienced adversity this season – suffering a leg injury in late May. Perez returned to the mound two months later.
The Marlins’ pitching staff is currently depleted by injuries, including All-Star Max Meyer (neck strain). Perez has an opportunity to keep the winning momentum going.
Righty Nolan McLean will start for the Mets. The second-year major leaguer has earned an expanded role this season. McLean has produced a 3.32 ERA, 142 strikeouts, and a 7-7 record in 119.1 innings (21 games). He’s currently third in the league with 13 total hit batsmen.
Perez’s most-thrown pitch is a four-seamer (42.3 percent) and McLean’s is a sinker (32.2 percent).
Offense:
The Mets are among the bottom in several offensive categories – 24th in total hits (855), 22nd in runs batted in (428), 25th in batting average (.234), and 23rd in OPS (.688). However, the clubhouse has produced 129 home runs, tied for 11th-most in the league.
Meanwhile, the Marlins are 10th in hits (908), tied for 13th in runs batted in (462), eighth in batting average (.251), and sixth in OPS (.734).
Statistically, this series is an advantage for the visiting clubhouse. However, the opposite side of the diamond could make up the difference.
Defense:
Both the Mets (.981) and Marlins (.982) are below league average in fielding percentage. Also, they’ve committed at least 70 errors, ranking in the top 10. The series could come down to which fielding unit makes fewer mistakes.
Other notes:
Mets left fielder Juan Soto will not appear for the series. He was placed on the 10-day injured list last Saturday – dealing with a Grade 2 left calf strain.
In two games against the Phillies, Griffin Conine delivered a couple of clutch at-bats. Whether it’s a game-winning run batted in or a go-ahead two-run homer as a pinch hitter, the 29-year-old’s swing might’ve saved the Marlins’ season and playoff hopes. He will likely start in the outfield on Thursday night.
The game starts at 7:10 p.m. Eastern Time – televised on SNY or Marlins.TV.
