Miami @ Atlanta preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 1, 2018 ) Miami 0, Atlanta 0

The Atlanta Braves could not afford a short outing from their rotation entering Monday’s home doubleheader against the Miami Marlins, but they found a way to survive a 19-hit onslaught to enter the four-game series with 10 victories in their past 14 contests. The Braves moved percentage points ahead of Philadelphia in the National League East with Sunday’s wild 8-7 victory over Milwaukee, deploying four relievers who combined to give up two runs over five innings.

Atlanta manager Brian Snitker joked with reporters afterward that he tried not to think about Monday’s two games after starter Sean Newcomb pitched just four innings Sunday. Rookie outfielder Ronald Acuna belted another homer from the leadoff spot in the victory, giving him eight longballs and a .317 average with 15 RBIs since the All-Star break. The Marlins fell 4-3 to the New York Mets at home Sunday and have lost 10 of their past 12 games, but hope they have found a leadoff spark in left fielder Rafael Ortega. Called up Friday after Miami traded Justin Bour to the Phillies, the 27-year-old went 2-for-5 with a run scored and two stolen bases Sunday, and has collected four hits in three games in his first major-league action since 2016 with the Los Angeles Angels.

TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS Florida (Miami), FS Southeast (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Pablo Lopez (2-2, 4.32 ERA) vs. Braves TBD

Lopez has provided stability in his first seven major-league starts, throwing a career-high seven innings Tuesday in a no-decision against St. Louis. The 22-year-old held the Cardinals to two runs on four hits, and is 1-1 with a 2.92 ERA in his past four starts. Lopez was to face the Braves on Aug. 1, but that start was rained out to prompt today’s doubleheader, and is likely to go in Game 1 although the Marlins have not made it official.

Atlanta officially had not announced a starter for the first game Sunday, but all signs pointed to right-hander Touki Toussaint (ranked the organization’s No. 7 prospect and No. 76 overall by MLB Pipeline) being promoted for his major league debut. The 22-year-old turned a corner with his command at Double-A Mississippi, posting a 2.93 ERA in 16 starts this year. At Triple-A Gwinnett, Toussaint is 2-0 with a 2.01 ERA and 32 strikeouts in 31 1/3 innings across five starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Braves 1B Freddie Freeman is hitting .370 during his 14-game hitting streak, the longest active streak in the majors and his third streak of 10-plus contests this season.

2. Marlins OF Lewis Brinson, sidelined since July 4 with a right hip bone bruise, will begin a minor-league rehab assignment Tuesday.

3. Atlanta has dominated the season series, winning eight of 11 meetings and averaging 6.8 runs per contest.

PREDICTION: Braves 5, Marlins 4