The Miami Marlins and Philadelphia Phillies will complete the 2019 season with a three-game series in Philadelphia.
Both Miami and Philadelphia failed to qualify for the postseason, but that result was expected of the Marlins. The Phillies were considered World Series contenders when the year began and could now finish with a losing record. Miami is sitting at 56-103 on the season, which is one of the worst records in franchise history.
Pablo Lopez will make his final start of the season in the series opener on Friday. Lopez will bring a 5-8 record and a 4.96 E.R.A into the appearance and will be looking for better results against the Phillies. Lopez started once against Philadelphia in 2019 and he allowed four runs in 5.2 innings. The right-hander took a step back in the second half of the season, after returning from a stint on the injured list.
Caleb Smith picked up his tenth win of the season his last time out and will try and make it to 11 on Saturday. Smith was Miami's ace in the first half of the season, but his second-half E.R.A has been nearly two runs higher. Smith has been solid against the Phillies this year, with a 0.75 E.R.A in 12 innings pitched. The lefty has held Philadelphia's potent lineup to a .100 average along the way.
The season finale assignment will go to Miami ace Sandy Alcantara on Sunday. Alcantara has a 3.95 E.R.A this season and he has thrown Miami's only two complete games of the year. Alcantara has thrown 12.2 innings against the Phillies in 2019 and he has compiled a 4.97 E.R.A.
The Marlins will likely have a player manage Sunday's game, as that has been a tradition under manager Don Mattingly. Miguel Rojas is expected to be tasked with that duty, according to team broadcaster Albert Ferreiro. Mattingly will be in the dugout regardless, but typically leaves in-game decisions up to the player.
The final series of the season will begin on Friday at 7:05 p.m.