Marlins Return Home to Host Reds Following Record-Breaking Win

The Miami Marlins will host the Cincinnati Reds for a four-game series beginning on Thursday at Marlins Park.

Miami is coming off a record-breaking win over the Texas Rangers and will try to carry that momentum into this series. The Marlins scored 22 runs on Wednesday, something no Marlins team had ever done before. Miami did allow ten runs in the win, but the game was never in doubt.

While the Marlins remain out of playoff contention, their recent play has been strong. The win in Texas gave Miami a third consecutive road series victory and lifted the team's record to 46-53. The Marlins have a slightly better record on the road (24-27) than they do at home (22-26) this season.

Chris O'Grady will get the ball first for Miami in the series and will bring with him a 1-1 record. O'Grady was expected to make one start before the All-Star Game and return to the minor leagues, but the rookie has remained on the roster. Now with the recent demotion of Tom Koehler, it is likely O'Grady will continue to throw every five days.

Miami currently does not have a starter listed for Friday's game, which would have been Koehler's start. There are multiple options in the minor leagues for Miami to choose from and a roster move is expected following Thursday's contest. The Marlins will need to option a reliever back to AAA, to make room for a new starter.

Adam Conley will pitch for the Marlins on Saturday, as he looks to continue his turnaround in 2017. After spending time in AAA, Conley has returned to the majors with a mission. The lefty has done a solid job and has brought back memories of his work from 2016. Conley missed the series in Cincinnati last week, so this will be the Reds' first look at him this season.

In the series finale on Sunday, Dan Straily will get the call. The right-hander has been mentioned in some trade rumors, but Miami is expected to retain Straily's services. In his first year with the Marlins, Straily is 7-6 with a dependable 3.84 E.R.A. The veteran allowed six runs in Texas in his last start and has now had two sub-par outings in a row. Straily was Miami's most consistent starter prior to those outings and should be expected to turn things back around.