Marlins vs Dodgers: Can Marsee's Hot Bat Keep Miami Competitive? | Beatline Marlins

So, Wes, let's talk about the elephant in the room.

The Dodgers are 89 and 57.

They are the team everyone is afraid of in September.

But we have to look at the rotation.

Who is starting for Miami tonight?

Well, it is interesting because Max Meyer is still on the 15-day I.L., and Sandy O'Connor's role is always up in the air late in the season, depending on workload.

Looking at the roster, it seems like Ryan Gusto or maybe Jansen Junk are the most likely starters here, given the recent usage patterns we saw against the Mets.

Right.

And remember, just two nights ago, we were talking about Ryan Gusto navigating the top of the order against Sean Maneyea.

He held his own, mostly.

But these Dodgers? They are not the Mets.

They are more disciplined.

They have better plate discipline.

If Gusto goes, can he keep up that same level of efficiency?

That is the million-dollar question.

With the Dodgers, you cannot afford to give them any free balls.

Their launch angle metrics are elite across the board.

If Gusto falls behind in the count, which he sometimes does, they will punish him.

We need to see tight command early.

If he can get ahead of hitters and use his off-speed pitches effectively, he has a chance.

But if he tries to overpower them, that is when things blow up.

And

that brings us to the Dodgers lineup.

We have Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, Will Smith.

It is a nightmare scenario for any pitcher.