The Marlins (22-21) have now dropped two straight series against NL East opponents and now sit 4.5 back in the division. Their run differential has dropped to -11. They have scored nine runs in their past five games.
They are, in a word, slumping. The cross state rival Tampa Bay Rays (20-21) might be licking their chops coming into this one.
Opponent snapshot
| Tampa Bay Rays | Offense | AL Rank | Pitching | AL Rank | |||
| Record | 20-21 | R/G | 4. | ||||