Marlins vs. Diamondbacks on June 27, 2025: Can a hot Marlins team support Eury Pérez against ace Merrill Kelly? Previewing the desert showdown.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Four in a row! For the first time in what feels like ages, there's a palpable buzz around the Miami Marlins. After sweeping their last series, the Fish (34-45) are carrying a wave of momentum into Chase Field tonight. But the desert presents a tough test, as they open a three-game set against the Arizona Diamondbacks (41-39) with a major question mark on the mound: Can Eury Pérez find his command and keep the good times rolling?
The Marlins have won four straight, but the weight of the streak falls on the shoulders of Eury Pérez, who brings a 6.17 ERA to the mound against Arizona's ace, Merrill Kelly.
Tonight's series opener is a classic case of a hot team facing a tough pitcher. The Marlins, averaging 4.2 runs per game, will have their work cut out for them against D-backs righty Merrill Kelly and his stellar 3.39 ERA. The pressure is squarely on Miami's own young flamethrower, Eury Pérez, who is still searching for his first win of 2025 and looking to tame an ERA that has ballooned to 6.17. While the team's overall pitching ERA sits at 4.85, recent success has been built on timely hitting from guys like Xavier Edwards (.286 AVG) and power from Kyle Stowers (12 HR, 38 RBI). To steal a win on the road, they'll need to give Pérez some serious run support early.
While the big-league club fights to turn its season around, the future of the organization is looking brighter than ever. The farm system is buzzing with standout performances. In Triple-A, Troy Johnston went 3-for-4 with a steal, while Double-A's Jacob Miller continues to dominate, lowering his ERA to a sparkling 2.23. High-A was an offensive explosion, with Colby Shade reaching base six times (4-for-4, 2 walks) and Michael Snyder driving in six runs. Even better, Victor Mesa has started his rehab assignment in Jupiter, signaling his return to Triple-A is near. This wave of talent is no accident; the front office has restocked the system with 19 new faces in the Top 30 prospects list, including exciting names like Starlyn Caba, Agustin Ramirez, and recent high-value international signee Andrew Salas.
For now, the roster that's been winning is the roster that's staying. The team reported no new injuries or major roster moves on Friday. The front office appears content to let this current group ride out its hot streak. The team continues to monitor players like Dane Myers, but for tonight, the lineup you see is the lineup you get.
Tonight is more than just one game out of 162; it's a test of this team's newfound confidence. Can the Marlins prove this winning streak is the start of a real turnaround? A strong outing from Eury Pérez would not only secure a fifth straight win but would be a massive boost for the young pitcher's confidence. Win or lose, with the talent brewing in the minors, the long-term outlook is promising. Let's see if they can start this desert trip with a W.
