Marlins manager Clayton McCullough talks latest roster moves, playoff push

Every month, Fish Unfiltered takes Miami Marlins fans "Inside the Dugout," bringing you an extended, exclusive interview with Marlins manager Clayton McCullough. During our August sitdown, McCullough speaks with AJ Ramos and Kevin Barral about a wide variety of topics. They start off with a rundown of Kyle Stowers' hamstring strain and how the Marlins will fill the void at first base during his absence. Then, they discuss the team's tendency to make critical outs on the bases, McCullough's role on trade deadline day last week, strong recent stretches from Jakob Marsee, Griffin Conine, Michael Petersen and Pete Fairbanks, the value of Sandy Alcantara and more.

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As was the case in spring training, Stowers has been diagnosed with a Grade 1 hamstring strain. His previous injury kept him out of major league games for four weeks. Griffin Conine is Miami's starting first baseman on Tuesday night, making only his second career start at the position.

McCullough also mentioned Leo Jiménez and newly recalled Graham Pauley as expected part-time contributors at first base while Stowers is out. Despite taking pregame reps as well, Agustín Ramírez is not going to see action there in the near future. 

Each of the Marlins' next four opponents are directly competing with them for a National League Wild Card berth, beginning with the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Marlins are 2.5 games ahead of them entering the series.