Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Miami Marlins right-handed pitcher Jose Fernandez will take the mound against the Atlanta Braves on Friday night. It will be Fernandez’s first appearance against the Braves in his career, and it will be one of his hardest tasks. This could also be Fernandez’s last start of the season since he is nearing his innings limit.
Coming into the game, Fernandez is on a five-game winning streak and has the lowest ERA in the majors since June 1 with a 1.52 ERA. Opponents are also only batting .167 against Fernandez, making him a prime candidate to win the National League Rookie of the Year honors, especially since Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig is having character issues and is being benched.
A win against the Braves tonight would cap off an incredible August. Fernandez is 3-0 with an 0.82 ERA in August, allowing only three earned run while striking out 41 batters. He is leading the National League in strikeouts this month, and is third in the majors in that same category. If he continues his dominant month, he will own the franchise record for lowest ERA in August, which was previously held by Dontrelle Willis in 2005 (1.06).
Miami will have to face Julio Teheran, who is 10-7 with a 3.08 ERA this season. Miami is 4-8 against the Braves this season. Miami has not batted well against the Braves and in the last series, the Marlins were outscored 14-5.
This a big game for Fernandez and the Marlins. A quality start could mean that Fernandez leads the league in ERA and strikeouts for the month. It would be the first time ever a Marlin has ever completed that feat.
Ryan Gaydos is a MLB columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, “like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
Related:
Will Brad Hand Come To Miami Marlins In September?
J.T. Realmuto Next In Line To Become Miami Marlins Starting Catcher
A.J. Ramos Becoming More Reliable For Miami Marlins
