The Miami Marlins host the Seattle Mariners at loanDepot park on Thursday, July 9, with first pitch set for 6:40 PM ET. Janson Junk gets the ball for Miami against Seattle's Bryce Miller in what shapes up as a pitching-focused affair between two clubs still working to carve out their place in the 2026 standings. Home fans can catch the action on Marlins.TV presented by Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia, or tune in on WQAM 104.3 FM in English or WAQI 710 AM in Spanish.

Probable Pitchers: Janson Junk vs. Bryce Miller

Janson Junk draws the start for the Marlins. The right-hander has been part of Miami's rotation mix this season, and Thursday is his opportunity to set the tone early against a Mariners lineup that has leaned heavily on pitching and defense as organizational cornerstones. The matchup opposite Miller gives Junk a meaningful test — Miller has shown the ability to generate weak contact and miss bats since breaking into the Seattle rotation.

Bryce Miller brings a legitimate arm into loanDepot park. Without getting ahead of the numbers, Miller's stuff — a lively fastball and sharp secondary offerings — has made him one of the more watchable young starters in the American League. Miami's lineup will need to be disciplined and patient to solve him early.

Miami Marlins Starting Lineup

• 1. Liam Hicks (C)
• 2. Otto Lopez (SS)
• 3. Xavier Edwards (2B)
• 4. Kyle Stowers (1B)
• 5. Heriberto Hernández (DH)
• 6. Griffin Conine (LF)
• 7. Esteury Ruiz (RF)
• 8. Jakob Marsee (CF)
• 9. Leo Jiménez (3B)

Keys to Watch for the Marlins

Xavier Edwards and Otto Lopez Setting the Table

Lopez and Edwards hitting second and third gives Miami a contact-oriented, on-base-focused core in the top half of the lineup. Both players have the bat control to work counts against Miller, and getting them on base ahead of Kyle Stowers in the four-hole is the blueprint for Miami's offense to generate runs.

Kyle Stowers as the Lineup's Anchor

Stowers slots into the cleanup spot, and his production in that role will be central to how Miami fares offensively. If Lopez and Edwards do their jobs, Stowers will see opportunities to drive in runs against a pitcher who can be hittable when hitters lay off his chase pitches.

Esteury Ruiz on the Bases

Ruiz in the seven-hole is a threat any time he reaches. His speed can disrupt opposing pitchers and create opportunities even when the lineup is quieter than expected. Watch for Miami to try to manufacture runs if Miller is dealing early.

Junk's Command and Pitch Mix

For Junk, command will be the story. The Mariners are a disciplined organization that emphasizes plate approach, and if Junk falls behind in counts, Seattle will make him pay. Keeping the ball in the zone and limiting walks gives Miami a genuine shot to win this one.

Prediction

This figures to be a low-scoring game decided by which starter can sustain quality deeper into innings. Miller is a tough draw at home, but the Marlins have enough contact hitters to chip away. Junk needs a quality start — six innings, three runs or fewer — to keep Miami in it. Expect a close game that comes down to the bullpens. Marlins 3, Mariners 2.