The Miami Marlins will send Trevor Richards to the mound on Sunday to win a series in Atlanta at SunTrust Park.
Richards (3-9, 4.02 ERA) will be opposed by Atlanta left-hander Dallas Keuchel (1-2, 4.08 ERA) in the final game before the All-Star break.
The Marlins ended a seven-game losing streak to the Braves on Saturday, as Caleb Smith came off the injured list to help them to a 5-4 win. It was only the second time in 11 games that the Marlins have been able to beat the Braves this season.
The Braves have dominated the series the last two years. Since the beginning of the 2018 season, Atlanta has 23 wins against Miami. That’s tied for the most by any team over a single opponent. The Braves have won 17 of 23 games played at SunTrust Park.
Not only have the National League East-leading Braves been beating the Marlins, they’ve been winning series against all comers. Atlanta has not lost a series since dropping two of three in Pittsburgh June 4-6.
Richards will make his 18th start of the season. He has thrown at least five innings in a career-long 10 consecutive games and reached his career-high seven innings pitched twice during that streak. He allowed nine home runs in his first nine starts, but has given up just three in his last eight games.
In his last start on June 30 against Philadelphia, Richards took a loss after allowing three runs over five innings.
Richards has made three career starts against Atlanta, going 0-1 with a 3.45 ERA. He has faced the Braves twice this season, both at Marlins Park, and allowed only one run on four hits over 11 1/3 innings. He lost to the Braves on June 8, despite permitting only one run on two hits in seven innings. In his only start at SunTrust Park on Aug. 14, 2018, he gave up five runs in 4 1/3 innings and received no decision.
“They’ve got some arms,” Braves catcher Tyler Flowers said. “They’ve got some bats, too. They’re not household names, but I think they will be.”
Keuchel will be making his fourth start since signing with the Braves as a free agent on June 8. He is coming off his best effort of the season, although he was outdueled by Philadelphia’s Aaron Nola and absorbed a 2-0 loss. Keuchel gave up two runs over seven innings in that start on July 2. It was his longest outing of the season and the fewest runs allowed.
“I think I’m there mentally and physically,” Keuchel said. “So hopefully we can start rolling.”
Keuchel will be making his third career start against Miami. He is 1-1 with a 1.50 ERA, allowing four runs, two earned, over 12 innings with 11 strikeouts.
Miami continues to play without Brian Anderson, who has missed four starts with a right elbow issue. Anderson has been relegated to pinch-hitting duties.
“He’s having trouble with the throwing part,” Miami manager Don Mattingly said. “He’ll be able to swing the bat if we need him, but we’ll try to keep him off the field for sure.”
Atlanta is expected to get shortstop Dansby Swanson back in the lineup. Swanson has missed the last two games with discomfort in his left calf.