New York

Series Preview: Pirates at Marlins

The Marlins will try and snap a three-game losing streak in their upcoming series with the Pirates

The Miami Marlins will look to halt a skid when they open a series with the Pittsburgh Pirates beginning on Friday.

Following a sweep by the New York Mets earlier this week, Miami has a 3-9 record this season. The Marlins have been losing in a variety of ways in 2018, but the bullpen has been a noticeable problem as of late for the team. Even when the Marlins have found themselves ahead, the other team has rallied late to steal the win.

Dillon Peters was roughed up by the Philadelphia Phillies in his last start and will try and rebound this time around. Peters served up two grand slams in Philadelphia and was on the losing end of a 20-1 final. The lefty has a 9.35 E.R.A in his two starts and he could be in danger of losing his rotation spot. The Marlins do have other options to turn to if necessary, at both the big-league level and AAA.

Trevor Richards will look for his first win in Major League Baseball once again, in the middle game of the series. Richards is 0-1 so far, with a rough 8.64 E.R.A. The 24-year old undrafted rookie has yet to throw five innings and has forced Miami's bullpen into extra action. If Richards doesn't show some better efficiency, he also could be replaced in the rotation at some point.

The series finale will feature ace Jose Urena on the mound for the Marlins. Urena is 0-2 this season, but his 5.06 E.R.A is respectable in comparison to Miami's other starters. Urena took a loss in the New York series, but pitched well against Boston earlier this season. The right-hander has shown good control as well, with only two walks in his last two starts combined.

Justin Bour hit his first home run of the season on Tuesday and then promptly hit another. Bour's bat had been quiet before that big day and Miami will need his production all season long. With J.T. Realmuto on the disabled list and newcomer Lewis Brinson struggling at the plate, Bour's offense has become an even bigger necessity.

With Garrett Cooper landing on the 60-day DL, the Marlins have promoted J.B. Shuck from AAA. Shuck did not play in MLB in 2017, but spent a good portion of the 2016 season with the Chicago White Sox. The 30-year old will be a fourth outfielder for the Marlins and could become the team's primary pinch-hitter.

Friday's first pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m.

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