The Miami Marlins will open a four-game series with the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday evening.
After splitting a pair of games with Giancarlo Stanton's New York Yankees, Miami will visit another familiar face in Milwaukee. Christian Yelich is off to a hot start with the Brewers and figures to play a big role in this series. The Brewers are 10-9 so far on the season, while Miami sits at 5-12.
The Marlins were blown out in the first game against the Yankees, before returning the favor in the series finale. The series with Milwaukee figures to involve a couple of more high-scoring affairs. Despite having a winning record, the Brewers have surrendered more runs than they have scored thus far.
Dillon Peters will take the ball for Miami in the first game of the series. Peters is 2-1 with a 6.75 E.R.A in 2018. The lefty is coming off six strong innings against the Pittsburgh Pirates and has been inconsistent so far. The 25-year old has already allowed three home runs this season and has only tallied 14.2 innings pitched.
Trevor Richards put together the best start of his big-league career in his last time out. The 24-year old hurled seven shutout innings against the Pirates. Richards came away with a no-decision, after allowing only a pair of hits in the start. Through three appearances, Richards has a 4.70 E.R.A and an 0-1 record.
Jose Urena will bring his 0-3 record into Saturday's start against Milwaukee. Urena has a 5.57 E.R.A this season and has struggled to recapture his success from 2017. The right-hander has only lasted longer than five innings once and has a rough 1.43 WHIP on the year.
In the series finale, the Marlins will turn to Caleb Smith for the start. Smith was knocked around by the Yankees in his last appearance and only lasted 2.1 innings. The lefty has a 6.89 E.R.A and is 0-2 in 2018. Smith could be replaced in the rotation when Dan Straily is ready to return to the team.
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J.T. Realmuto made his 2018 debut in New York and is expected to be back behind the plate for the series opener. Realmuto hit a home run in his first game back and helped Miami pick up the win. Bryan Holaday will serve as Realmuto's primary backup for the time being. Tomas Telis is also available on the bench to catch if needed.
After not seeing a single at-bat in New York, Lewis Brinson is expected to be back in the lineup on Thursday. Brinson has only one hit since April 2nd and has dropped in the lineup on multiple occasions. If the top prospect doesn't turn things around soon, Miami could look to option him to the minor leagues. The 23-year old has plenty of potential and is considered a big piece of Miami's future.
Thursday's first pitch is scheduled for 8:10 p.m.
