The Miami Marlins were not a team expected to be playing in October this year.
They did not have an overwhelming roster and most thought they were a .500 team at best.
But, the Marlins made a few key moves in the offseason that improved their chances.
One was trading for reigning AL batting champion Luis Arraez.
He was sent to the Marlins in a deal for starting pitcher Pablo Lopez.
Arraez proceeded to have one of the most memorable hitting seasons in Marlins history.
He batted .354, which led MLB and won back-to-back batting titles in different leagues.
Unfortunately, Arraez suffered an ankle injury in September and was forced to miss time.
According to Corey Seidman, Arraez is in the lineup for the Marlins’ Wild Card opener.
Luis Arraez is in the Marlins’ lineup tonight against the Phillies, leading off. Had just 1 at-bat after September 23 because of an ankle injury.
— Corey Seidman (@CSeidmanNBCS) October 3, 2023
Having only batted once since September 23, rust could be an issue.
But, Arraez is the best contact hitter in baseball and the Marlins need him at the top of the lineup.
Back on April 11, Arraez hit for the cycle against the Phillies.
It was the first cycle of his career and the first in Marlins history.
That is important as Arraez gets ready to battle the Phillies once more.
Miami had success against the Phillies this year.
They won seven of the 13 matchups and should have confidence heading into this series.
Not many people are picking the Marlins to win this series.
But, they were not picked to do much of anything this year.
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