Marlins at Braves
Julio Teheran is just one of many members of the Atlanta Braves who have thrived at home this season. The Braves host the Miami Marlins in the rubber match of their three-game series on Thursday looking to improve upon their major league-best 29-12 home record. The 22-year-old Teheran is a big reason behind the Braves’ home success, going 4-1 in seven starts with a 2.18 ERA while issuing only eight walks and recording 49 strikeouts in 45 1/3 innings.
The Marlins historically have experienced their share of struggles in Atlanta, posting a 58-105 all-time record. Miami looks to change its fortunes behind 23-year-old Henderson Alvarez, who will be making his season debut in what could be a precursor to the trading of Wednesday's winning pitcher Ricky Nolasco. Jeff Mathis went 1-for-3 and drove in two runs, giving him six hits and 13 RBIs in his last five games.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN Florida (Miami), SportSouth (Atlanta)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Henderson Alvarez (1-0, 3.55 ERA) vs. Braves RH Julio Teheran (6-4, 3.12).
Alvarez missed the first three months of the season with right shoulder inflammation. The right-hander, who went 10-17 while making 41 starts for Toronto over the last two years, fired 7 2/3 scoreless innings for Double-A Jacksonville in his final rehab start on Friday. Alvarez was a candidate to make the Marlins’ rotation in spring training, going 1-0 with a 3.55 ERA in four starts before landing on the disabled list.
Teheran will be making his first career appearance against the Marlins as he takes the mound following the best month of his season. He went 3-2 with a 1.95 ERA, reached double digits in strikeouts in two of his five starts, took a no-hitter into the eighth inning against Pittsburgh on June 5 and beat Arizona by tossing six scoreless innings and fanning 10 on Friday. Teheran is holding opponents to a .194 average with runners in scoring position.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Braves are 44-10 when they hit a home run and 5-25 when they do not.
2. Miami 1B Logan Morrison did not start Wednesday due to a sore hip suffered in a nasty collision with Atlanta P Kris Medlen at first base the previous night.
3. The big winner Thursday could be Mother Nature. The teams played through a steady rain Wednesday, and there is a 100 percent chance of more precipitation on Thursday.