The Miami Marlins (12-12, 9-15 RL, 9-13-2 O/U) and the Atlanta Braves (16-8, 11-13 RL, 14-10 O/U) will conclude a four-game divisional series on Thursday afternoon. The Marlins give the nod to Braxton Garrett. The Braves give the starting call to Kyle Wright. The Braves lead the series 2-0 after a 7-4 victory on Tuesday evening.
Braxton Garrett will take the mound for the fifth time of the season. Garrett was outstanding in his previous start, limiting the Guardians to one run in 5.2 innings, and was finally awarded for his performance with his first victory. The lefty has been stellar, conceding two or fewer runs in all four outings, and is sporting a 2.84 ERA and a 1.42 WHIP in 19 innings of work. Garrett has contained the Braves in three career meetings, allowing five runs in 13.2 innings but is 0-2.
The Miami Marlins organization has been rebuilding for years but it appears they are ready to be a contender in the NL East after accumulating plenty of young talent. They are above the .500 mark and had won four consecutive series' prior to this one. The pitching is especially ready to bloom. They held the Guardians to 10 runs in three games last weekend but have slipped in this series.
Up Up & Away, Kid. pic.twitter.com/LyaMR4ZQHC
— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) April 25, 2023
Garrett Cooper did some of his best work against the Braves last season, knocking in 10 runs along with a stellar .938 OPS, and is 0 for 3 in this series. The 32-year-old first baseman is enjoying a solid opening month, collecting 11 RBIs accompanied by a respectable .749 OPS. Cooper has two RBIs in his last four games.
Miami is posting an average of 3.17 runs per game, pegging 29th. They have accrued a 4.48 team ERA, placing them 21st.