Series Preview: Nationals at Marlins

The Miami Marlins will host the Washington Nationals for a three-game series beginning on Friday.

The series opener will be the first of 19 games between the teams this season. Washington is considered a playoff contender, but currently sits in fourth place in the division. Miami remains in last place and is 7.5 games behind Washington.

Jose Urena will bring his 0-7 record into Friday's start. Urena has pitched better than his record makes it seem, but has also struggled at times. Urena has a 4.55 E.R.A this season and the Marlins have lost all ten of the games he has started. The right-hander has four quality starts and nearly had another one in his last outing.

Wei-Yin Chen has improved as of late and he will look to keep that going in Saturday's start. Chen has allowed two runs combined in his last two starts, after allowing 14 runs in his first three appearances. Chen has allowed six home runs this season, but none in his last two starts. Several Washington hitters have good numbers against Chen in their careers, including All-Star Bryce Harper.

Elieser Hernandez will get the start in Sunday's series finale and will try once again for his first big-league win. Hernandez has looked sharp for Miami in his rookie season, but has an 0-1 record to show for it. Hernandez's 2.08 E.R.A has kept Miami in games and he is just now looking for some run support. Miami is 1-3 in games where Hernandez has appeared thus far.

Lewis Brinson has a .155 batting average this month and he will be looking for better results in a hurry. While Miami has remained committed to the young outfielder so far, it remains to be seen if that will continue. Brinson is hitting .162 in 2018 and only has been able to swipe one base.

Brian Anderson's rookie season continues to be a success, despite a switch to the outfield. Anderson is slashing .276 / .358 / .381 this year and is hitting .291 in the month of May. Anderson has been even better over the past week, with eight hits in his last 24 at-bats.