Overview
- The Marlins enter the series on a season-high five-game winning streak that includes back-to-back shutouts, boosting confidence before Friday's opener in Pittsburgh.
- Sandy Alcantara is the scheduled starter for Miami after two straight seven-inning wins, and his recent form is being viewed as a stabilizing force for the Marlins' rotation.
- Otto Lopez is leading the majors with a .344 batting average and has been a key offensive contributor during Miami's eight wins in nine games.
- The Pirates have lost five of six and will start Braxton Ashcraft, whose last outing saw him give up a season-high number of runs and who has struggled with off-speed command.
- Both clubs carry multiple players on injured lists, a factor that affects lineup choices and bullpen depth and could shape how the three-game series unfolds.