Miami

Series Preview: Braves at Marlins

Miami will return home to begin a four-game series with the Braves on Thursday evening

The Miami Marlins will kick off a homestand with a four-game series against the Atlanta Braves beginning on Thursday.

Miami was swept by the Chicago Cubs earlier this week and will look to rebound against Atlanta. Before the sweep in Chicago, the Marlins had won four series in a row. Miami now sits at 13-23 on the season and remains in last place in the division.

Caleb Smith will be looking to add to his big strikeout totals when he takes the ball for the series opener. Smith has struck out 26 hitters combined in his last three starts for Miami. Smith has also picked up victories in each of his last two appearances. The lefty is 2-3 on the season with a respectable 3.67 E.R.A.

Dan Straily will be looking for more efficiency in his appearance on Friday. Straily has only lasted four innings in both of his starts this season. The veteran has allowed six runs in those innings and has been tagged for three home runs already. Straily began the year on the disabled list and could just be shaking off some rust.

Jarlin Garcia will start on Saturday and will try to erase the memory of his last appearance. Garcia was rocked by Chicago for seven runs in four innings. After entering with an MLB-leading 1.09 E.R.A, Garcia allowed three home runs at Wrigley Field. The lefty is 1-1 on the season, with a still solid 2.68 E.R.A.

Sunday's starter will be Jose Urena, as he continues to search for a victory this season. Urena is 0-5 and the Marlins have lost all eight of his starts. Urena hasn't pitched terribly, but he also hasn't kept Miami in the game at times. After a big 2017 season, Urena thus far has a 4.37 E.R.A.

The Marlins did not do much offensively in Chicago, but Miguel Rojas was one noticeable bright spot. Rojas homered in Wednesday's game as part of a three-hit day. The shortstop is hitting .248 this season and has maintained his hold on a starting job. With Martin Prado struggling mightily, Rojas' bat has become more important for Miami.

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

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