Eugenio Suárez returns to the D-backs lineup vs. the Marlins on June 27, 2025. Can his hot bat and Merrill Kelly's arm lead Arizona to a crucial win?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
You can almost hear the collective sigh of relief from every corner of Chase Field. After a brief but nerve-wracking two-game absence, Eugenio Suárez is back in the Diamondbacks' lineup for Friday's series opener against the Miami Marlins. And not a moment too soon, as the slugging third baseman brings one of the hottest bats in all of baseball back to the heart of the order.
In 82 plate appearances this month, Suárez is slashing an incredible .307/.354/.760 with 10 home runs and 25 RBI.
The scare came earlier this week when Suárez was hit by a pitch on his right hand, forcing him to the sidelines. But after taking some light batting practice on Wednesday, he's been given the all-clear. His return is a massive boost for a D-backs team looking to build momentum. Suárez hasn't just been good in June; he's been a force of nature. His 10 homers and 25 RBI this month have carried the offense, and his presence makes the entire lineup deeper and more dangerous.
With the offense back at full strength, the D-backs have another advantage on the mound tonight. Veteran Merrill Kelly (7-3, 3.39 ERA) gets the ball, bringing his trademark consistency and bulldog mentality. He's been a steady hand all season. On the other side, the Marlins will send out the talented but struggling Eury Pérez, who enters the contest with a bloated 6.17 ERA and an 0-2 record. On paper, this is a matchup Arizona should exploit, especially with their big bopper back in the fold.
While fans are always watching for the next big trade or call-up, the D-backs stood pat on Friday with no new transactions. The front office seems content with the current group, which sits at 41-39, albeit fourth in a brutally tough NL West. This stability can be a good thing, allowing the team to build chemistry as they head into a critical stretch of the season. A series win against the Marlins is essential to keep pace and start climbing the divisional ladder.
Tonight is more than just the first of a three-game set. It's a chance for the Diamondbacks to flex their muscles with a healthy lineup and a favorable pitching matchup. With Suárez back and Kelly on the bump, a strong performance against the Marlins could set a powerful tone for the weekend and provide a much-needed spark as the season's midway point approaches.
