Free MLB Picks Today: Miami Marlins vs Pittsburgh Pirates 6/25/23

The Pittsburgh Pirates (35-41) is on the road to face the Miami Marlins (44-34) at loanDepot Park on Sunday with the visitors looking to split the four-game series.

The Marlins lead the series 2-1 after winning 4-3 in 11 innings on Saturday. Reliever Andrew Nardi threw one scoreless inning to get the win.

Luis Arraez went 1 for 3 with a home run and two RBIs in the win. Andrew McCutchen was 2 for 2 with two doubles and one run, walking three times, for the Pirates, stretching his on-base streak to 14 games.

ON THE MOUND

Johan Oviedo (3-7, 4.30 ERA) is in line for the start for Pittsburgh. The right-hander allowed two runs over six innings in his last start, a 4-0 home defeat against the Cubs on Tuesday. He took the loss, scattering five hits while striking out three.

For Miami, righty Eury Perez (4-1, 1.54 ERA) takes the mound. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Pirates. In his last start on Tuesday, Perez took a no-decision at home against the Blue Jays. He threw six scoreless innings and gave up three hits, striking out nine, in the 2-0 loss.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Pittsburgh has averaged only 2.6 runs a game, down from their season average of 4.1, while slashing worse across the board (.152/.218/.242). Against right-handed pitchers like Perez this season, the Bucs have a .693 OPS.

Bryan Reynolds has been the team’s most powerful hitter against right-handers with a .516 slugging percentage in 148 at-bats. Miami is averaging only 2.8 runs per game in the last five, down from 4.0 for the season, with their slugging percentage slipping to .343 from .394.

The Fish have a .697 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a .971 OPS over 212 at-bats, Arraez has been their best hitter against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Pittsburgh is 17-22 on the road in 2023, scoring 4.4 runs per game while allowing 4.3 runs. Miami has gone 24-16 at loanDepot Park this season, averaging 4.0 runs per game while surrendering 4.0.

In the last 10 games at loanDepot Park between the teams, each club has won five, though Pittsburgh has the scoring advantage with an average final margin of 3.7-3.2.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Pirates are fourth in the NL Central, five games behind the division-leading Reds. The Marlins are second in the NL East, six games behind the Braves.