The Philadelphia Phillies have already clinched the National League East title, but the fight isn’t over. The Phillies still have a chance to catch the Milwaukee Brewers for the top spot in the National League playoffs, and the Dodgers still have a chance to catch them for the second seed. Their division rivals, the Miami Marlins, will attempt to play spoiler on Wednesday.
The Phillies come in as -199 moneyline favorites on DraftKings Sportsbook. The total is set at 8.5 runs. Let’s dig into a preview, prediction and best bet for this Marlins vs. Phillies matchup.
Marlins at Phillies prediction, preview
Wednesday night is another chance for Jesús Luzardo to pitch against his former team. A key part of the Phillies’ loaded rotation, the mercurial left-hander will face the Marlins for the fourth time this season. He’s done a solid job, allowing seven earned runs over 18 innings. If the Phillies want a chance at catching the Brewers or to hold off the Dodgers, they need Luzardo to not have one of his patented blow-up nights.
His opposite number, Ryan Weathers, is looking to get established with the Marlins. The former seventh overall pick by the Padres, Weathers throws some serious gas, averaging 97 MPH on his fastball this year. He produces a lot of swings-and-misses in the strike zone while generating plenty of ground balls, a good sign for the 25-year-old. If he can stick in the Marlins Opening Day rotation next year, he’s a clear breakout candidate.
After a rough extra-innings loss to the Marlins on Tuesday, the last thing you want to see is a flame-throwing lefty. Philadelphia is far and away the better team, but with the volatility that Luzardo brings, I’m taking the Marlins for the value.
