The Braves have some unfinished business with the Miami Marlins, and they will address it today.
To make up for the August 1 rainout between these two teams, the Braves will play the Fish in a day-night doubleheader. These two games will serve as the Braves’ 8th and 9th games in the last 7 days.
By virtue of this past weekend’s series win over the Brewers - capped off by Sunday’s thrilling 8-7 shootout - and the Phillies’ series loss to the Padres, the Braves are back in first place in the National League East by one percentage point.
The Braves are 6-4 in their last 10 games. The Marlins come to town with a 2-8 record in their last 10, and sit in last place in the NL East.
Though it has not been officially announced yet, highly-touted prospect Touki Toussaint is expected to be called up and to make his major league debut in Game 1. After starting the year in Double-A Mississippi, Toussaint jumped up to Triple-A Gwinnett last month. He has rocketed up prospect lists and gained some notoriety as one of the most electrifying arms in the Atlanta farm system. All things considered, his 2018 has been the most successful season of his career: 6-6, 2.68 ERA / 3.26 FIP, 10.66 K/9, 3.76 BB/9, and a 1.18 WHIP.
According to Marlins beat writer Joe Frisaro, the Marlins will use some combination of Merandy Gonzalez and Pablo Lopez to start these two games, though it has not yet been announced which pitcher will start which game.
Mike Foltynewicz gets the start for Atlanta in Game 2. For as good as Folty as proven himself to be capable of being this season, he could still use a bit of work going deeper into games - he has not made it out of the 7th inning since his complete game shutout against Washington on June 2. For a pitching staff that has to cover a minimum of 18 innings today, it will be imperative that he work efficiently and preserve the bullpen’s workload where he can.
For the first time in several years, every single game counts. With the Phillies sitting idle today, the Braves have an opportunity to gain - or lose - an entire game in the standings.
Game Info
Game Date/Time: Monday, August 13, 1:35 p.m. ET (Game 1) / 7:35 pm ET (Game 2)
Location: SunTrust Park, Atlanta, Georgia
TV: Fox Sports Southeast
Streaming: MLB.tv
Radio: 680 AM / 93.7 FM, WYAY 106.7, Braves Radio Network