Pirates vs Marlins Picks and Prediction – 3/29/2024

The Pittsburgh Pirates visit the Miami Marlins on Friday for the second game of a four-game series in South Florida. Last season, Pittsburgh finished 4th in the National League Central at 76-86, 16 games behind the division champion Milwaukee Brewers. Pittsburgh was 37-44 on the road last season and finished with a run differential of -98 over the 162-game season. Make sure you stay up to date with all the MLB action, with our MLB picks.

The Pittsburgh Pirates will rely on a mix of young talent and veteran experience. Oneil Cruz will be the lead off hitter for Pittsburgh and set the table for those that follow such as Bryan Reynolds, Ke’Bryan Hayes, Jack Suwinski, Andrew McCutcheon, Rowdy Tellez and others. Pittsburgh will send Martin Perez to the mound on Friday. Last season the left-hander while playing for Texas was 10-4 with a 4.45 ERA, 93 Ks and 49 BBs.

The Miami Marlins hope to get off to a strong start to their 2024 regular season with a victory on Friday when playing Pittsburgh in the second game of a four-game set. Last season, Miami was 84-78 and 3rd in the National League East, 20 games behind the division champion Atlanta Braves. Miami was 38-43 on the road and finished with a run differential of -57.

Miami's lineup will have several new faces. The leadoff hitter will continue to be Luis Arraez, followed by Josh Bell, Jake Burger, Jazz Chisholm, Tim Anderson, Jesus Sanchez, Avisail Garcia and Bryan De La Cruz. The lineup could be tough for opposing pitchers all season. Miami will send A.J. Puk to the mound on Friday. Last season, the left-hander was 7-5 with a 3.97 ERA, 78 Ks and 13 BBs, all in relief.