Giancarlo Stanton returns to Miami while the Yankees enjoy a little break in the schedule as they have two games with the Marlins sandwiched between off-days.
The Yankees ended their homestand on a positive note with a sweep of the Blue Jays, going 7-4 overall in the week and a half stretch. They currently hold a 3.5 game lead over the Athletics and Astros for the top spot in the Wild Card race.
The Marlins halted a six-game losing streak by taking the last two games of a three-game set against the Nationals. Earlier in the season at Yankee Stadium, these teams split two games.
Stanton plans to play instead of sitting out with his hamstring injury. He is one home run away from 300 in his career.
Game 1: Masahiro Tanaka vs Pablo Lopez
Tanaka (9-4, 4.03 ERA) rebounded nicely from giving up six runs two starts ago by throwing six innings of two run ball against the Rays in his last start. Aside from a shaky first inning, he was solid and continues to be a solid pitcher ever since he’s returned from the DL.
Even with the six runs he allowed to the Rangers, Tanaka has a 3.05 ERA in seven starts since his return from straining both hamstrings. Although, the Marlins roughed him up earlier this season, as Masa went five innings and gave up seven runs (five earned) in a 9-1 loss.
Lopez (2-3, 4.79 ERA) was called up at the end of June and has since made eight starts for the Marlins. The 22-year-old hasn’t had much success so far, although he did throw seven innings and allowed just two runs against the Cardinals two starts ago.
He’s struck out 38 batters in 47 innings while accumulating a 1.17 WHIP.
Game 2: Lance Lynn vs Trevor Richards
Lynn (8-8, 4.68 ERA) was not his best in his last outing against the Blue Jays. Although allowing five runs in four innings, the offense picked him up and pulled out a 7-5 win. Nevertheless, he owns a 2.61 ERA ever since joining the Yankees and has been a great replacement for a struggling Sonny Gray in the rotation.
In six starts and two relief appearances, Lynn has a 3.75 career ERA against the Marlins. At Marlins Park, that figure rises to 6.60.
Richards (3-7, 4,28 ERA) started off the season shaky, but has settled down as of late. In his first 11 starts, he accumulated a 5.26 ERA. In his last seven, he owns a 2.89 ERA, including 40 strikeouts in 37.1 innings.
More than likely, the Yankees will keep it rolling with a pair of wins in Miami. Although, with the lack of Gregorius in the lineup, Greg Bird will really have to pick it up in a lineup that lacks lefty power.
