The Cincinnati Reds play host to the Miami Marlins on Monday night in the opener of their mid-week series from Great American Ballpark. It won't only be the first meeting of the series but also the first meeting between the two this season as well. Last year, the two teams played seven times, with the Reds winning five of those. Things have changed slightly of late though, with the Reds sitting in last place in the NL Central standings and is one of baseball's worst teams, while the Marlins are quite a few games ahead of them. Heading on the road could prove to be a challenge though, meaning what could be a competitive opener.
With the second half of the season now underway, the Marlins know that they need to start grabbings wins quickly if they want to make a run at the top of the division, or at least toward the Wild Card. Sitting in fourth place and playing in the NL East is far from ideal but with a number of games coming up against the Reds, it could mean some wins to get confidence and momentum going in the right direction. Miami is only 4-6 in their last ten games and with a losing record away from home, it might not easy as it appears, even against one of baseball's worst teams. After winning their weekend series against Pittsburgh though, things might be trending in the right direction for this group.
On the injury front, the weekend definitely saw some names added to the injury list that are far from ideal. Jazz Chisholm Jr. (back) remains out, as does Jon Berti (groin), while Brian Anderson (shoulder) and Jorge Soler (back) h ave been ruled out as well. The one to keep an eye on though us Garrett Cooper (wrist), who is questionable for Monday night's series opener. Adding that to five relievers being out as well, is far from ideal.
RUN SUPPORT. pic.twitter.com/u7aDn5Yxd2
— Miami Marlins (@Marlins) July 24, 2022
According to MLB.com, Trevor Rogers will get the ball for the Marlins in this one and after a strong season in 2021, has seen himself slip off in 2022. The lefty comes into this one with a 4-9 record and 5.46 ERA, both limiting the condfidence that the team might have behind him in this one. Taking on the Reds could be a great opportunity for him to get back into pitching strong though.
One of the major concerns surrounding Miami is their offense this season. Even when healthy, they struggled to get much of anything going, ranking in the bottom third of baseball in nearly every offensive categoyr, except home runs, where they rank 19th. Now adding injuries to the fold and this lineup will be searching for where the production could come from. Chisholm Jr. (1 HRs, 45 RBI) has led the way and with Cooper (.279 average, .347 OBP) also potentially out as well, it's liekly to be a quiet night for the lineup.