Miami

Marlins to Close Out Final Homestand of First Half Against Mets

The Marlins will play their final home series of the first half beginning on Tuesday against the Mets

The Miami Marlins will begin their last home series of the first half on Tuesday against the New York Mets.

Both the Mets and Marlins enter the series as potential sellers and need a quick surge in the standings. With the trade deadline nearing, teams will begin making difficult decisions soon. Miami traded Adeiny Hechavarria on Monday and it could be just the first of several moves in the weeks ahead.

As they look to start a winning streak and become potential buyers, the Marlins will trot out Dan Straily for Tuesday's start. Straily has been inconsistent this season, but at times dominant. The Mets are not known for their offensive prowess and this could be a good evening for Straily to rack up some strikeouts. The right-hander has multiple games with big strikeout totals already this season.

In the middle game of the three-game series, Miami will go with Jeff Locke for the start. Locke has only lasted four innings in his last two appearances and has not gone six innings yet this season. Locke's inability to work more innings, has taxed Miami's bullpen. It is critical that Straily gives the Marlins innings on Tuesday, as it is likely the pen will enter early on Wednesday.

In the series finale on Thursday, Jose Urena will start for the Marlins. Urena has esentially been Miami's ace, since he joined the rotation. The right-hander is 6-2 with a 3.33 E.R.A this season and has gone six innings in three straight starts.

Giancarlo Stanton is currently sixth in All-Star Game voting, but has a decent chance of being a reserve in the game. However, a slump over the next week or so could make things tough on Stanton. The slugger will be key in this series and has plenty to play for.

Marcell Ozuna's All-Star chances improved in Monday's voting update and the outfielder can help himself more with a big series. As voting nears an end, Ozuna can solidify a starting role with a big week. The slugger is likely to make the All-Star Game as a reserve, even if he misses out on the fan vote.

Tuesday's first pitch is set to be thrown at 7:10 p.m.

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