Miami Marlins

The Marlins’ top prospect, Sixto Sánchez, made his MLB debut last night and earned the W as his team topped the Nationals 5-3. The right-hander tossed five innings (66 pitches – 46 for strikes), allowing three runs (all earned), while giving up a couple of homeruns and striking out four.

After catcher Francisco Cervelli left game two of Saturday’s doubleheader with a concussion and was promptly placed on the seven-day injured list, the Marlins called up catcher Brian Navaretto prior to their game on Sunday, as per Craig Mish.

Rookie Humberto Mejia will start for the Fish this afternoon, as he looks to join Sanchez with his first win in the majors. In two starts thus far – both against the Mets – Mejia has tossed a total of 6.1 innings, allowing six hits, four earned runs, and striking out seven. He took the loss in his August 18 outing vs. the Mets in Miami.

Philadelphia Phillies

Former Met Zack Wheeler put together yet another solid start for the Phils on Saturday night vs. Atlanta, going seven innings while giving up five hits, two runs (both earned), and striking out eight – leaving him with a shiny 2.76 ERA. However, the right-hander’s nice outing did not hold, as the Phillies’ bullpen once again imploded upon entry.

In the eighth, Héctor Neris relieved Wheeler and promptly gave up two hits – with a walk sandwiched in-between – allowing one to score, making it 4-3 Philadelphia. The Phils’ latest addition to their ‘pen, Brandon Workman, replaced Neris in an attempt to escape the inning – but he failed to do so, as Matt Adams doubled to drive in two more to make it 5-4 Atlanta.

Although Philly managed to tie the game in the ninth, the bullpen couldn’t do the job. After two singles and an intentional walk, Workman was burned by Adam Duvall‘s walkoff single to win it for the Braves. Philadelphia’s bullpen ERA currently sits at a staggering 8.29 ERA – currently the highest in the majors and higher than any other bullpen in major league history.

Atlanta Braves

Following their walkoff win against the Phillies on Saturday night, the Braves will go for the three-game sweep tonight in Atlanta.

The Braves currently reside at the top of the NL East standings with a 16-11 record and a .593 winning percentage.

Josh Tomlin will make his second start for the Braves this season as he works to maintain his spot in the rotation. In his first outing against the Nationals on August 18, the right-hander was able to hold Washington to two runs over four innings, though Atlanta ultimately took the loss in that game.

Washington Nationals

As MMO reported on Saturday, Stephen Strasburg will miss the remainder of the 2020 season as he undergoes season-ending surgery on his right hand. Despite an initial move to the IL on August 15 with carpal tunnel neuritis – and a hope that the right-hander could pitch through any concerns – Strasburg ultimately elected for surgery.

Following a series-opening loss and a split of Saturday’s doubleheader with the Marlins in D.C., the Nationals look to take game four vs. the Fish on Sunday.

Washington will send former Marlin Aníbal Sánchez to the mound in search of his first win of the season. In his four starts thus far, the right-hander is 0-3, having allowed 17 earned runs in 18 innings – amounting to a rather unsightly 8.50 ERA.