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Phillies Aim for Series Split Against Marlins Despite Key Injuries
The Philadelphia Phillies are gearing up to even out their four-game series against the Miami Marlins this Sunday afternoon. Despite their strong standing in the majors, the Phillies have been hitting some bumps lately, especially with key players out due to injuries. Let’s dive into what’s ahead for this matchup, looking at the hurdles and the key players on both sides.
Marlins’ Struggles Against Left-Handed Starters
The Miami Marlins have been having a rough go against left-handed pitchers this season, holding a dismal 4-25 record in such matchups. They’re about to face Ranger Suarez, who’s been on fire with a 10-2 record and a league-leading 1.83 ERA. Suarez has also had Miami’s number historically, boasting a 5-2 record with a 2.89 ERA over 19 games. This makes him a formidable challenge for the Marlins.
Ranger Suarez’s Recent Performance
Even with his impressive season stats, Ranger Suarez showed some cracks in his last game against the Detroit Tigers. He allowed four runs (two earned) over six innings in a loss. This performance hints that while Suarez is usually tough to beat, he’s not invincible, giving the Marlins a glimmer of hope.
Yonny Chirinos: A Promising Start for Miami
Starting for the Marlins, Yonny Chirinos has been promising since being called up from Triple-A Jacksonville. Sporting a 2.70 ERA in his two starts, Chirinos brings a mix of pitches that can keep hitters off balance. His solid performance against the Kansas City Royals, where he allowed just one run on three hits over five innings, shows his potential to disrupt the Phillies’ lineup.
Phillies’ Injury Woes
The Phillies’ offense has taken a big hit with Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, and J.T. Realmuto out of the lineup. Harper and Schwarber are on the 10-day injured list, but manager Rob Thomson remains hopeful they’ll be back before the All-Star break. Realmuto, recovering from knee surgery, is aiming for a mid-July return. These absences have left the Phillies struggling at the plate, as shown by their 1-for-15 performance with runners in scoring position over the last two games.
Nick Gordon and Jazz Chisholm Jr. Lead Marlins
The Marlins have been riding high on the performances of Nick Gordon and Jazz Chisholm Jr. Gordon’s homer and Chisholm’s clutch RBI single in Saturday’s game were game-changers. Plus, the Marlins’ bullpen was lights out, with four relievers combining for 4 1/3 scoreless innings to secure a 3-2 win.
Philadelphia’s Offensive Challenges
Without their star players, the Phillies have managed only four runs in the last two games. Trea Turner admitted that the team’s been pressing too hard in crucial moments, highlighting their offensive struggles. The Phillies desperately need a spark to get their offense back on track and compete against the Marlins.
Johan Rojas’ Potential Impact
Johan Rojas, who was recently called up from Triple-A Lehigh Valley, could be just the spark the Phillies need. Rojas has been tearing it up in the minors, hitting .382 with a homer and six stolen bases in just eight games. His speed and batting potential make him a key player to watch in the series finale.
Conclusion
The Phillies are up against it as they look to split the series with the Marlins. Overcoming injuries and finding their offensive groove will be crucial. Ranger Suarez’s performance on the mound and the potential impact of Johan Rojas could be game-changers. For the Marlins, breaking their struggles against left-handed pitchers will be essential. As both teams fight for victory, Sunday’s game is shaping up to be a pivotal clash in their seasons.
