The Arizona Diamondbacks and Marlins initiated their opening round series on Tuesday evening at Chase Field, resulting in a significant Arizona victory (box score). The Diamondbacks, having secured the National League West title, will maintain home-field advantage throughout this playoff stage. Conversely, the Marlins clinched their postseason berth as the final team in Major League Baseball, confirming their participation on the concluding day of the regular schedule.
The victor of this series will move forward to the Divisional Round, where they are slated to compete against the well-prepared Atlanta Braves. (In another National League matchup, the Los Angeles Dodgers will face the victor of the Wild Card Series between the Milwaukee Brewers and the San Diego Padres.)
The schedule for the Marlins versus Diamondbacks Wild Card Series is outlined below:
|
Game 1 |
Tues., Sept. 30 |
9:08 p.m. ET |
ESPN |
fubo |
|
Game 2 |
Weds., Oct. 1 |
9:08 p.m. ET |
ESPN |
fubo |
|
Game 3 |
Thurs., Oct. 2 |
TBD |
TBD |
TBD |
Broadcast Details for Game 2
Date: Wednesday, Oct. 1 | Time: 9:08 p.m. ET
Location: Chase Field (Phoenix)
TV channel: ESPN | Live stream: Fubo (try for free)
Probable pitchers: RHP Zac Gallen (ARI) vs. RHP Eury Pérez (MIA)
Odds: ARI -257 | MIA +205 (via DraftKings)
Essential insights into the Marlins and the Diamondbacks as they engage in the Wild Card Series are provided below.
Principal Narratives of the Wild Card Series
Marlins: This marks the Marlins’ initial playoff presence in a full-length regular season arrangement since 2003. (Miami also participated in the 2020 postseason, which was expanded due to the pandemic.) The Marlins experienced limited success when competing against the Diamondbacks during the regular season, recording a 1-5 record and yielding a total of 15 runs. Miami is aiming for its first postseason series triumph since 2003.
Diamondbacks: Throughout the regular season, the Diamondbacks encountered a notable number of injuries among their team members. However, currently, it can be asserted that they are closer to reaching full fitness than at any preceding juncture. Indeed, the Diamondbacks are expected to field their entire roster of leading starters, including Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, Eduardo Rodriguez, and Brandon Pfaadt. Veteran pitcher Madison Bumgarner, who expressed intentions to retire following the playoffs, will not be included on the roster after concluding his final start on Saturday. Catcher J.T. Realmuto secured a roster spot, although his performance may be impacted by a hairline fracture sustained in his hand during early September, resulting in a multi-week absence.
