The Miami Marlins will host the MLB-worst Philadelphia Phillies for three games beginning on Monday at Marlins Park.
Miami was swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers over the weekend and is in desperate need of wins. The Dodgers own the best record in all of baseball and made quick work of the Marlins. Miami had a chance to win the first game of the series, but was unable to recover from that blown save in the next two contests.
At 41-49, the Marlins are in fourth place in the division. Both the divisional and Wild-Card races are beginning to look out of reach for Miami. The trade deadline is also now quickly approaching and Miami appears destined for a selling mode. With contention unlikely, Miami can use the deadline to replenish a depleted farm system.
Tom Koehler and his 8.00 E.R.A will start for the Marlins in the first game of the series. Koehler is coming off a decent start in his last outing, but he is 1-4 overall on the season. The right-hander spent some time on the disabled list and in AAA earlier this year, but was recalled due to a lack of options in Miami. The Marlins have lost all of Koehler's last five starts and he has not gone more than five innings since April.
Adam Conley will be recalled from AAA to start Tuesday's game for the Marlins. Conley has a disappointing 7.53 E.R.A this season, after a productive 2016 campaign. In AAA, Conley had some inconsistent numbers and he was recalled due to an immediate need in Miami. The Marlins could have a short leash with Conley and option him back to New Orleans, if he does not produce at the big-league level. The left-hander allowed 18 combined runs in his last three starts for Miami.
In the series finale on Wednesday, Dan Sraily will start for the Marlins. Straily has not allowed more than two runs in a start since early May. The right-hander has been Miami's most consistent arm and has seen his name appear in trade rumors. While it is unlikely Straily is moved, this start could serve to increase his value.
Monday's game will begin at 7:10 p.m.
