Ely Sussman

Here are the latest Miami Marlins game notes, produced by the Marlins communications department and relayed to our loyal readers. These notes apply to the second game of Miami's home series against the Chicago Cubs. Starting Lineup DH Kyle Stowers (L) LF Heriberto Hernández 1B Griffin Conine (L) SS Otto Lopez CF Jakob Marsee (L) RF Owen Caissie (L) C Joe Mack (L) 3B Graham Pauley (L) 2B Javier Sanoja P Ryan Gusto Click HERE to download the full game notes (preview below)

This podcast is brought to you by Jet Ski Rentals of South Florida—offering Miami’s best jet ski and boat adventures. With six jet ski locations and over 120 boats, there’s something for every style and every budget. They’re reservation-based only. To inquire, call 305-990-2192, or check them out online at SFJetskiRentals.com. Make sure to use promo code FISHONFIRST to receive 10% off your next booking. Fish On First staffers react to the latest Miami Marlins series and prepare you for what lies ahead. Friday's show was hosted by Ely Sussman and featured panelists Alex Krutchik and Sean Millerick. The following topics were covered: Leo Jiménez designated for assignment Heriberto Hernández's steady power production Graham Pauley, Deyvison De Los Santos getting opportunities NL Wild Card race updates Previewing and predicting the next series against the Chicago Cubs You can find Fish Unfiltered and Fish On First LIVE on the Fish On First YouTube channel, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever else you get your pods. Our next FOF LIVE episode will be on Sunday at approximately 6:30 p.m. ET following the Marlins-Cubs series finale. View full article

SuperSubs, comment below with your Prediction Time picks: 1. How many games will the Marlins win in this series? (three-game series) 2. Who will be the Series MVP? (determined by win probability added) Once again in 2026, I will be monitoring Miami Marlins predictions from our valued SuperSubs, Fish On First staffers and livestream guests. Individual article pages like this one will be created prior to every Marlins series and featured prominently on the FOF site. Consistent participation is key if you want to win this annual contest. Submissions only take a few seconds. Scoring system A "perfect" series is worth three points: Earn one point for predicting which team will win the upcoming series Earn one point for predicting the precise number of victories for each team Earn one point for predicting the “Series MVP” who accumulated the highest win probability added (WPA) during the series as calculated by FanGraphs (could pick a player from either team) FOF SuperSub David Fernandez is currently atop the 2026 season leaderboard, which will be updated between every Marlins series. If you are a SuperSub, leave a comment with your Prediction Time picks on this page, or join the Marlins Discord Server and submit there. We'll feature them on the upcoming Fish On First LIVE episode and track your points throughout the season! Any picks submitted prior to the first pitch of the series opener will be counted. If you are not a SuperSub, please consider signing up here to support the FOF staff. Series preview notes Probable starting pitchers: RHP Janson Junk (MIA) vs. LHP Shota Imanaga (CHC) on Friday RHP Ryan Gusto (MIA) vs. TBD (CHC) on Saturday RHP Tyler Phillips (MIA) vs. TBD (CHC) on Sunday The Marlins rank 15th in MLB with a 100 wRC+ and 14th in MLB with a 4.05 FIP. They are 4-6 in their last 10 games and have a 42-27 record at home this season. The following Marlins players are on the injured list: Anthony Bender (15-day IL), Xavier Edwards (10-day IL), Pete Fairbanks (15-day IL), Ronny Henriquez (60-day IL), William Kempner (60-day IL), Adam Mazur (60-day IL), Andrew Nardi (60-day IL) and Robby Snelling (60-day IL). The Cubs rank first in MLB with a 115 wRC+ and 27th in MLB with a 4.71 FIP. They are 4-6 in their last 10 games and have a 38-31 record on the road this season. The following Cubs players are on the injured list: Tyler Austin (60-day IL), Ben Brown (60-day IL), Edward Cabrera (15-day IL), Hunter Harvey (60-day IL), Porter Hodge (60-day IL), Gavin Hollowell (15-day IL), Cade Horton (60-day IL), Riley Martin (60-day IL), Phil Maton (60-day IL), Shelby Miller (60-day IL), Justin Steele (60-day IL) and Dansby Swanson (10-day IL). View full article

Here are the latest Miami Marlins game notes, produced by the Marlins communications department and relayed to our loyal readers. These notes apply to the third and final game of Miami's road series against the Kansas City Royals. Marlins roster moves: Deyvison De Los Santos recalled from Triple-A Jacksonville; Leo Jiménez designated for assignment Starting Lineup LF Heriberto Hernández 1B Kyle Stowers (L) SS Otto Lopez RF Griffin Conine (L) 2B Javier Sanoja CF Jakob Marsee (L) DH Agustín Ramírez C Joe Mack (L) 3B Graham Pauley (L) P Sandy Alcantara Click HERE to download the full game notes (preview below)

Here are the latest Miami Marlins game notes, produced by the Marlins communications department and relayed to our loyal readers. These notes apply to the second game of Miami's road series against the Kansas City Royals. Starting Lineup LF Heriberto Hernández SS Otto Lopez 1B Kyle Stowers (L) DH Agustín Ramírez 3B Javier Sanoja CF Jakob Marsee (L) RF Esteury Ruiz 2B Jared Serna C Joe Mack (L) P Eury Pérez Click HERE to download the full game notes (preview below)

Here are the latest Miami Marlins game notes, produced by the Marlins communications department and relayed to our loyal readers. These notes apply to the first game of Miami's road series against the Kansas City Royals. Pregame roster moves: Bradley Blalock and Graham Pauley recalled from Triple-A Jacksonville Starting Lineup DH Kyle Stowers (L) 1B Griffin Conine (L) LF Heriberto Hernández CF Jakob Marsee (L) RF Owen Caissie (L) SS Otto Lopez C Joe Mack (L) 3B Graham Pauley (L) 2B Javier Sanoja P Tyler Phillips Click HERE to download the full game notes (preview below)

The Miami Marlins announced on Tuesday that infielder Graham Pauley and right-hander Bradley Blalock are joining their active roster. Limited to 26 roster spots during most of the regular season, they're allowed to activate 28 players during the month of September. Pauley entered 2026 with a long runway to establish himself as Miami's primary third baseman. Although he continues to provide above-average defense at the hot corner, his bat regressed this season. Carefully platooned to face right-handed pitching almost exclusively, he still hasn't been able to make much quality contact. Pauley's 24.1 Hard-Hit% ranks last among Marlins players with a minimum of 50 batted ball events. His farthest-hit ball of the year went only 385 feet. Overall, Pauley has homered only once in 46 games against big league competition. He has posted a 43 wRC+ (100 represents league average). Pauley's most recent Triple-A stint lasted six games. In 46 total appearances with the Jumbo Shrimp, he has slashed .236/.332/.436 with seven home runs and six stolen bases. The vast majority of his reps have come at third, but there have also been six games at second base. This call-up comes in the aftermath of Xavier Edwards' left thumb sprain. The Marlins have several right-handed options to use around the infield while Edwards is out, but Pauley gives them a complement from the other side of the plate. Pauley turns 26 years old on September 24. Not only is he in the midst of his final option year, but the Marlins have optioned him five separate times, which is the MLB single-season limit. Therefore, Pauley would need to clear waivers to get sent down again. Blalock, 25, was acquired via trade from the Colorado Rockies in January. He's been the one constant in Triple-A Jacksonville's starting rotation this season, posting a 5.61 ERA and 5.47 FIP and in 23 starts. Across parts of two MLB seasons, he's been absolutely awful, to be frank (8.16 ERA and 6.73 FIP in 21 G/18 GS). Susceptibility to home runs continues to be his biggest issue. Blalock's arsenal includes a four-seam fastball, slider, cutter, splitter, sinker and sweeper. He releases the ball from an extremely steep arm angle (approximately 62 degrees). Like Pauley, Blalock is out of options after the 2026 season and could be a winter DFA candidate if he doesn't make a positive contribution to the Fish this month. View full article

The "gameday" channel of the Marlins Discord server does its best to replicate that vibe: https://discord.gg/mZj9KxecpD

SuperSubs, comment below with your Prediction Time picks: 1. How many games will the Marlins win in this series? (three-game series) 2. Who will be the Series MVP? (determined by win probability added) Once again in 2026, I will be monitoring Miami Marlins predictions from our valued SuperSubs, Fish On First staffers and livestream guests. Individual article pages like this one will be created prior to every Marlins series and featured prominently on the FOF site. Consistent participation is key if you want to win this annual contest. Submissions only take a few seconds. Scoring system A "perfect" series is worth three points: Earn one point for predicting which team will win the upcoming series Earn one point for predicting the precise number of victories for each team Earn one point for predicting the “Series MVP” who accumulated the highest win probability added (WPA) during the series as calculated by FanGraphs (could pick a player from either team) FOF SuperSub David Fernandez is currently atop the 2026 season leaderboard, which will be updated between every Marlins series. If you are a SuperSub, leave a comment with your Prediction Time picks on this page, or join the Marlins Discord Server and submit there. We'll feature them on the upcoming Fish On First LIVE episode and track your points throughout the season! Any picks submitted prior to the first pitch of the series opener will be counted. If you are not a SuperSub, please consider signing up here to support the FOF staff. Series preview notes Probable starting pitchers: RHP Tyler Phillips (MIA) vs. RHP Randy Dobnak (KC) on Tuesday RHP Eury Pérez (MIA) vs. LHP Noah Cameron (KC) on Wednesday RHP Sandy Alcantara (MIA) vs. RHP Michael Wacha (KC) on Thursday The Marlins rank 14th in MLB with a 100 wRC+ and 11th in MLB with a 4.00 FIP. They are 6-4 in their last 10 games and have a 28-41 record on the road this season. The following Marlins players are on the injured list: Anthony Bender (15-day IL), Xavier Edwards (10-day IL), Pete Fairbanks (15-day IL), Ronny Henriquez (60-day IL), William Kempner (60-day IL), Adam Mazur (60-day IL), Andrew Nardi (60-day IL) and Robby Snelling (60-day IL). The Royals rank 18th in MLB with a 98 wRC+ and 25th in MLB with a 4.61 FIP. They are 8-2 in their last 10 games and have a 36-30 record at home this season. The following Royals players are on the injured list: Luinder Avila (60-day IL), Carlos Estévez (60-day IL), Tony Gonsolin (15-day IL), Stephen Kolek (60-day IL), Alec Marsh (60-day IL), James McArthur (60-day IL), Nick Mears (60-day IL), Cole Ragans (60-day IL), Connor Seabold (60-day IL) and Beck Way (15-day IL). View full article

Here are the latest Miami Marlins game notes, produced by the Marlins communications department and relayed to our loyal readers. These notes apply to the fourth and final game of Miami's road series against the Washington Nationals. It's also the 13th and final head-to-head meeting between these teams in 2026. Pregame roster moves: Cade Gibson and Jared Serna recalled from Triple-A Jacksonville; Xavier Edwards (left thumb sprain) placed on 10-day injured list; Wikelman González optioned to Jacksonville Starting Lineup LF Heriberto Hernández SS Otto Lopez DH Agustín Ramírez 2B Javier Sanoja 1B Kyle Stowers (L) 3B Leo Jiménez CF Jakob Marsee (L) RF Esteury Ruiz C Brian Navarreto P Ryan Gusto Click HERE to download the full game notes (preview below)

Fish On First LIVE discusses how the Marlins would be in serious trouble if Xavier Edwards missed any time due to injury. As it turns out, the second baseman was placed on the 10-day IL Monday with a left thumb sprain. View full video

This podcast is brought to you by Jet Ski Rentals of South Florida—offering Miami’s best jet ski and boat adventures. With six jet ski locations and over 120 boats, there’s something for every style and every budget. They’re reservation-based only. To inquire, call 305-990-2192, or check them out online at SFJetskiRentals.com. Make sure to use promo code FISHONFIRST to receive 10% off your next booking. Fish On First staffers react to the latest Miami Marlins series and prepare you for what lies ahead. Sunday's show was hosted by Ely Sussman and featured panelists Kevin Barral, Alex Krutchik and Jeremiah Geiger. The following topics were covered: After trailing 2-0 through eight innings on Sunday, Marlins rally for 6-2 win Otto Lopez climbs another spot on Marlins' all-time bWAR list Who plays second base if Xavier Edwards misses time Higher quality plate appearances and baserunning decisions from Jakob Marsee Final thoughts on the club's potential September call-ups Surprising consistency from every member of the starting rotation NL Wild Card race updates Previewing and predicting the next series against the Kansas City Royals You can find Fish Unfiltered and Fish On First LIVE on the Fish On First YouTube channel, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever else you get your pods. Although FOF LIVE typically airs after each Marlins series finale, there is still one game left between the Marlins and Nats. Monday's first pitch is scheduled for 6:45 PM ET, with the probable starters being Ryan Gusto and Will Dion. View full article

Here are the latest Miami Marlins game notes, produced by the Marlins communications department and relayed to our loyal readers. These notes apply to the third game of Miami's road series against the Washington Nationals. Starting Lineup LF Heriberto Hernández 2B Xavier Edwards (S) DH Agustín Ramírez RF Esteury Ruiz SS Otto Lopez 3B Javier Sanoja 1B Leo Jiménez CF Jakob Marsee (L) C Brian Navarreto P Janson Junk Click HERE to download the full game notes (preview below)

This podcast is brought to you by Jet Ski Rentals of South Florida—offering Miami’s best jet ski and boat adventures. With six jet ski locations and over 120 boats, there’s something for every style and every budget. They’re reservation-based only. To inquire, call 305-990-2192, or check them out online at SFJetskiRentals.com. Make sure to use promo code FISHONFIRST to receive 10% off your next booking. With only four weeks remaining in the regular season, Ely Sussman provides a detailed update on the Miami Marlins' pursuit of a National League Wild Card berth. That includes recapping what their playoff odds were at various points in the season, highlighting the key players whose performances have been particularly impactful (in either a positive or negative direction), looking ahead at the club's September schedule and projecting how many wins they'll need to reach October. You can find Fish Unfiltered and Fish On First LIVE on the Fish On First YouTube channel, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever else you get your pods. Entering play on Sunday, the Marlins trail both the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres by four games in the race for the NL's third wild-card spot. They have 26 regular season games remaining, including three apiece against the Diamondbacks and Padres (all on the road). FanGraphs estimates that the Fish have only a 2.4% chance of qualifying for the postseason. View full article

Here are the latest Miami Marlins game notes, produced by the Marlins communications department and relayed to our loyal readers. These notes apply to the second game of Miami's road series against the Washington Nationals. Pregame roster moves: Wikelman González recalled from Triple-A Jacksonville; Patrick Monteverde optioned to Jacksonville Starting Lineup 1B Kyle Stowers (L) LF Heriberto Hernández 2B Xavier Edwards (S) DH Griffin Conine (L) SS Otto Lopez CF Jakob Marsee (L) 3B Javier Sanoja RF Owen Caissie (L) C Joe Mack (L) P Sandy Alcantara Click HERE to download the full game notes (preview below)

The Miami Marlins have not been fully comfortable with their starting rotation at any point this season. After an encouraging spring training, free agent acquisition Chris Paddack wilted as soon as the real games began. He was cut to make room for prospect Robby Snelling, but the young left-hander immediately blew out his elbow, requiring season-ending surgery. The Marlins dominated the month of June despite an ultra-thin rotation that was comprised of Sandy Alcantara, Max Meyer and a bunch of question marks. Then, just as Eury Pérez found his groove, Meyer landed on the injured list, doubtful to return in 2026. With the trade deadline approaching, the Marlins were relying on Janson Junk, Tyler Phillips and Ryan Gusto as starters, none of whom would be in those roles had this season gone as planned. The Triple-A depth behind them was also a concern, as the organization's top prospect, Thomas White, was sidelined with a shoulder injury of his own, and Karson Milbrandt had been struggling mightily since being promoted to Jacksonville. It did not feel as though the Marlins had a realistic path to reaching the postseason unless they made an outside acquisition of some kind to bolster their rotation depth. They brazenly subtracted in that area instead, dealing left-hander Braxton Garrett to the Chicago Cubs. The only major league-ready arm they added, Victor Vodnik, has never made a start in parts of four MLB seasons. To their credit, this uninspiring approach is working out beautifully. Since deadline day (Aug. 4), Marlins starters have combined for a 2.78 ERA, which is third-best in MLB. The performances haven't been flashy—the staff ranks bottom 10 in strikeout rate while averaging barely five innings per start—but you couldn't have dreamt of better results over that span. The consistency of Junk, Phillips and Gusto is most impressive. They have made 16 total appearances (14 starts) since the deadline passed, allowing more than two earned runs just once. Look at how they compare to the veteran SPs who changed teams in pre-deadline deals. Maybe the Marlins would have an extra win had they mortgaged their future for Tarik Skubal. Tyler Mahle and Clay Holmes have been tremdendous pick-ups for the Atlanta Braves and Chicago Cubs, respectively. Other than those three? None of the potential "upgrades" would have definitively made the team better. That is an oversimplification, of course. While the Marlins rotation rides into September with a lot of positive momentum, their bullpen is a vulnerability. Closer Pete Fairbanks is more than a week away from being eligible to return from the IL. The active relievers are tasked with carrying a heavy workload because Junk, Phillips and Gusto are kept on short leashes, rarely sniffing 90 pitches in their outings, much less 100. Had the Marlins acquired an extra starter, they would've had the flexibility to move one of these solid right-handers to the 'pen. Phillips in particular was great in 2025 when used that way. Instead, rookies Josh Ekness and Jack Ralston are being relied upon in high-leverage situations. That backfired in Monday's loss to the Washington Nationals—Gusto left with a 3-0 lead, but Ekness and Ralston each allowed home runs that flipped the game upside down. Should the Marlins rally to earn the final National League wild-card spot, they'll be on the road for a best-of-three series. Let's really stretch the imagination and say they clinch early enough to have the luxury of setting their rotation however they want, with Alcantara getting Game 1 and Pérez following him in Game 2. What on earth would they do for a potential winner-take-all Game 3? While reaching the postseason is still on the table for this team, their complacency at the trade deadline makes it impossible to foresee them going on a deep run. View full article