Milwaukee @ Miami preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 6, 2012 ) Milwaukee 2, Miami 6

The Miami Marlins return home after winning two straight extra-inning contests and could receive a big boost to their lineup. Slugger Giancarlo Stanton is expected to be activated from the disabled list Monday, when the Marlins host the Milwaukee Brewers in the opener of a three-game series. First baseman Logan Morrison made his season debut for the Marlins on Sunday after recovering from knee surgery, and Stanton - who hit 71 homers over the last two seasons - has been out since April 29 with a hamstring injury.

Rookie Marcell Ozuna, who is hitting .331, likely moves to center field with Stanton back in right. The Brewers have won their last three games after dropping 10 of 13 but could be without 2011 National League MVP Ryan Braun, who left Sunday’s game with a sore right thumb. Jean Segura continues to make the Zack Greinke trade look good, as he leads the NL with 83 hits.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee), FSN Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Yovani Gallardo (4-6, 5.25 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Ricky Nolasco (3-6, 3.16)

Gallardo has lost five of his last six starts, allowing 22 runs over 31 2/3 innings in that span. The good news is that the 27-year-old always has pitched well against the Marlins, going 3-0 with a 1.59 ERA in five career starts. Right-handed hitters are batting .315 this season vs. Gallardo (.237 in his career), while left-handers have a .246 average against him.

Nolasco has been at his best in his last four starts, yielding seven runs over 29 innings despite only coming away with a 1-1 record. Opponents are batting just .239 against the right-hander, who has surrendered 73 hits in 82 1/3 frames. Milwaukee’s Rickie Weeks is 8-for-18 lifetime with a home run against Nolasco, who is 2-2 with a 7.71 ERA in seven career turns vs. the Brewers.

WALK-OFFS

1. Miami INF Ed Lucas is 11-for-29 and owns a .471 on-base percentage as a 31-year-old rookie.

2. Milwaukee closer Jim Henderson was activated from the 15-day disabled list Sunday and pitched a scoreless inning.

3. The teams split eight games last season, with Milwaukee outscoring Miami 61-59.

PREDICTION: Marlins 4, Brewers 2