The Colorado Rockies (21-28) will host the Miami Marlins (24-25) on Thursday as these teams wrap up a four-game series. The Rockies took the first two games of the series, winning 5-3 on Monday and 5-4 on Tuesday. Wednesday's contests was not yet complete at the time of this preview.
The Marlins have been struggling offensively this season, currently ranking last in the MLB in scoring overall and 28th on the road, averaging only 3.7 runs per game. Their performance in terms of road home runs per game is slightly better, placing them at 16th in the league. Leading the team in both home runs and RBI is Jorge Soler, who has hit 13 home runs and driven in 29 runs so far this season. Another man who has shined despite the Marlins' offensive struggles is Luis Arraez, who is having a sensational season at second base. Arraez currently holds the highest batting average in MLB, hitting an impressive .371.
Luis Arraez is a once-in-a-generation artist. He's on pace to slug over .450 while hitting 5 or fewer home runs.
Only 1 @MLB player has done that *in the last 70 years* in a season of 500+ PA.
Wade Boggs. He did so twice. And h e's in the @baseballhall.@Marlins @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) May 24, 2023
Taking the mound for the Marlins on Thursday will be 25-year-old left-handed pitcher Braxton Garrett. He has a record of 1-2 and an ERA of 4.60. Interestingly, Garrett has performed poorly in his home ballpark this season, but on the road, he has been strong, boasting a 2.52 ERA and a 1-1 record. In a previous matchup against the Rockies last season in Miami, Garrett allowed two runs (one earned) and nine hits in 4.2 innings. Notably, Garrett has never pitched at Coors Field before, adding an element of unfamiliarity to his upcoming start.