Free MLB Picks Today: Miami Marlins vs Philadelphia Phillies 7/7/23

The Miami Marlins (51-38), one of the lightest-hitting lineups in the NL, are set to host the Philadelphia Phillies (47-39) at loanDepot park on Friday to open a three-game series. The Phillies are in the midst of a six-game road trip.

They are coming off a three-game sweep of the Rays, taking the finale 3-1 on Thursday at Tropicana Field. Darick Hall was 1 for 4 with a solo home run. The Marlins are in the midst of a seven-game homestand.

They won three of four against the Cardinals in their last series, dropping the finale 3-0 on Thursday at loanDepot park. Luis Arraez’s on-base streak reached 20 games as he went 3 for 5.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

The Marlins have won two of three in the season series between the NL East rivals, including a 3-2 victory in 10 innings in their most recent meeting on April 12 at Citizens Bank Park. A.J. Puk threw two scoreless innings of relief to get the win.

ON THE MOUND

Zack Wheeler (7-4, 4.03 ERA) is slated to start for Philadelphia. The right-hander allowed four runs over five innings in his last start, a 19-4 road win over the Nationals on Saturday. He was credited with the win, yielding seven hits while striking out six.

Wheeler has made one previous start against the Marlins this season, a 3-2 home loss on April 12. He surrendered one run on three hits over six innings, striking out six and walking three.

For Miami, RHP Sandy Alcantara (3-7, 4.93 ERA) gets the ball. He has made one prior start against the Phillies this season, giving up nine runs over four innings in a 15-3 road defeat on April 10.

He gave up 10 hits and walked one, while striking out four in the loss. In his last start on Sunday, Alcantara took the loss on the road against the Braves. He threw five innings and gave up four runs on five hits, striking out six and walking two in the 6-3 defeat.

AT THE PLATE

The Philadelphia offense is averaging 4.5 runs per game for the season, with a slash line of .259/.322/.422. Nick Castellanos leads the team in OPS at .853. The right fielder is slashing .305/.347/.506 with 13 home runs, 55 RBIs, and 51 runs over 84 games.

Over the last five games, though, Philadelphia has averaged 7.4 runs a game while performing better across the board (.298/.343/.524). Against right-handed pitchers like Alcantara this season, the Phils have a .744 OPS.

Brandon Marsh is the team’s strongest hitter against right-handers with a .854 OPS in 187 at-bats. Miami is slashing .264/.324/.400 for the season and averaging 4.2 runs per game, second lowest in the National League. Arraez leads the team with a .917 OPS.

The second baseman has three home runs, 41 RBIs, and 40 runs scored with a slash line of .388/.439/.478. Miami is averaging 6.6 runs per game in the last five with a better slash line (.311/.371/.446).

The Fish have a .702 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a .933 OPS over 252 at-bats, Arraez also has been their best hitter against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Philadelphia is on a 12-game winning streak in road games, bringing their record to 25-23 in 2023. The Phils have scored 4.5 runs per game away from home, while allowing 4.8 runs.

Miami has gone 28-17 at their home park this season, averaging 4.2 runs per game while surrendering 4.0. Philadelphia is 6-4 in the last 10 meetings at loanDepot park with an average scoreline of 4.4-3.3.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Phillies are third in the NL East, 11 games behind the division-leading Braves. The Marlins are second in the NL East, eight games behind the Braves.