Miami Marlins vs. Philadelphia Phillies Prediction: How Will Max Meyer Fare in His Major League Debut?

Miami Marlins vs. Philadelphia Phillies Prediction: How Will Max Meyer Fare in His Major League Debut?

The Phillies came into Miami and took the first game of the series 2-1 behind two solid outings from Kyle Gibson and Sandy Alcantara. Despite 8 innings with only 2 runs from Alcantara, the Marlins could not crack Gibson or the bullpen. Today, they will start one of the MLB's top prospects, Max Meyer, in an attempt to even the series.

Marlins vs. Phillies Start Time, Where to Watch, and Odds

• Date: July 16, 2022
• Game Time: 4:10 pm ET
• Where to Watch: MLB.TV

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Miami Marlins vs. Philadelphia Phillies Prediction

Max Meyer is one of the top pitching prospects in the MLB. Meyer was drafted third overall in the 2020 draft by the Miami Marlins. He is a right-hander from the University of Minnesota and grew up about ten minutes from me (I promise there's little to no bias here, the guy is just good). Meyer's arsenal includes one of the best sliders of all prospects, as his slider reaches 93 mph and has excellent movement. His slider is his top pitch by far, but he can also reach the upper 90s with his fastball. Meyer will finally make his MLB debut today, and I expect him to do well. In his second season in the minors, he has a career ERA of 2.77 and WHIP just over 1.00. MLB debuts are never easy, but he gets the benefit of starting in the Marlins' home arena, which helps. He also is starting against an offense that has struggled since losing Bryce Harper. The Phillies have gone seven straight games without topping three runs. The Phillies are 29th with a .523 OPS over the last seven days, only just above the Marlins, coincidentally.

The Marlin's offense has been equally stagnant, but maybe today, they can open the offense up. The Marlins have seen Phillies' starter Ranger Suarez a few times, and they have good numbers off him. Miguel Rojas is 5-14 with only 3 strikeouts, Garrett Cooper is 2-6 with only one strikeout, Jesus Aguilar is 2-7 with a home run off Suarez, Jorge Soler is 1-3 with a home run as well, and Brian Anderson is 3-6. I expect the upper half of the order to do damage off Suarez today, as they have before.

It's never easy to predict how an MLB debut will go, but I feel confident backing Meyer here. He has the best slider of all prospects, and he throws heat as well. Even if he does struggle after a few innings, Alcantara was able to go eight innings yesterday, which saved a lot of the top bullpen arms for tonight. The Phillies had to use a few of their good arms yesterday, so even if the Marlins are down a run or so, I give them the advantage after the fifth to spark a comeback, if needed. Back the Marlins to even the series here.

Miami Marlins vs. Philadelphia Phillies Pick

• 2U Play: Marlins ML (-110) (Bet $110 to win $100)

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