The Miami Marlins could move into fourth place during their series with the New York Mets this weekend.

Miami enters the series only two games behind the Mets, despite being well behind the New York club earlier this season. The Mets have been struggling as of late, with eight losses in their last ten games overall. To move ahead of New York, the Marlins will need to sweep the three-game series.

Miami will have rookie Sandy Alcantara on the mound for Friday's game. Alcantara is Miami's top pitching prospect and is one of the biggest names it acquired over the off-season. The Marlins received Alcantara from the St. Louis Cardinals as part of a package for All-Star Marcell Ozuna. Alcantara is a 22-year old right-hander with a live arm. Alcantara pitched in eight games for the Cardinals in 2017 and had a 4.32 E.R.A.

The Marlins have not announced a starter for Saturday's game, but it is expected to be rookie Pablo Lopez. The right-hander has posted big numbers at both the AA and AAA levels this season, despite opening the year as a relative unknown. Due to recent injuries, Lopez will now be given a chance at the big-league level. Lopez who is also 22, has compiled a sparkling 1.44 E.R.A in the minors this year.

Dan Straily is currently suspended, but he'll be able to return on Sunday for a start. Straily is coming off a quality outing against the Arizona Diamondbacks and has a 3-3 record this season. The veteran had initially appealed his suspension, but dropped that attempt after his last outing. Straily will need to try and keep the ball in the park this time around. The right-hander has allowed five home runs in his last three starts combined and 12 overall this year. 

Miami dropped three of four to Arizona earlier this week and it was due in large part to a lack of offense. The Marlins scored a combined three runs in the three losses.

The weekend series will get underway on Friday at 7:10 p.m.