The Miami Marlins head to Phoenix for a Wednesday night matchup against the Arizona Diamondbacks, with first pitch scheduled for 9:40 PM ET at Chase Field. Ryan Gusto gets the ball for Miami against Arizona's Merrill Kelly in what shapes up as an intriguing pitching duel late in the regular season. With September winding down and rosters expanded, every game carries weight — and the Marlins will need a clean outing from their starter to keep pace with whatever they're chasing in the NL standings.

Marlins at Diamondbacks: Wednesday September 16, 2026 Game Preview

Pitching Matchup: Gusto vs. Kelly

Ryan Gusto draws the start for the Marlins in this one. Gusto will need to be sharp against an Arizona lineup that has real damage capability from top to bottom. On the other side, Merrill Kelly is a veteran presence who has been a fixture in the Arizona rotation for years. Kelly's ability to work deep into games and throw multiple pitch types for strikes makes him a legitimate challenge for any visiting offense. Marlins hitters will need a patient approach and a plan against the right-hander.

Arizona Diamondbacks Lineup to Watch

The Diamondbacks are sending out a lineup that demands attention. Lars Nootbaar leads off from left field, followed by Ketel Marte at second base — one of the more dangerous hitters in the National League. Gabriel Moreno bats third behind the plate, with Geraldo Perdomo slotted in at shortstop in the cleanup spot. Corbin Carroll slots in fifth in right field, and the ageless Nolan Arenado brings his Gold Glove presence to third base in the six hole. Jesús Sánchez — a name familiar to Marlins fans — appears at DH in the seventh spot, while Pavin Smith handles first base and Tim Tawa patrols center field at the bottom of the order.

That is a lineup with no soft spots. Gusto will have to mix his pitches and work both sides of the plate to keep Marte and Carroll from doing damage. Arenado may be batting sixth, but he is never truly neutralized.

Keys to the Game for Miami

• Gusto's command early: Falling behind hitters in this Arizona lineup is a recipe for a long night. Gusto needs to throw strikes and stay ahead in counts, particularly against Marte and Carroll.
• Solve Kelly or grind him deep: If Miami's offense can work Kelly into high pitch counts early, there's an opportunity to get into Arizona's bullpen before the game gets away. Kelly is effective, but he's beatable when hitters make him work.
• Control the running game: Arizona's personnel gives them the ability to create havoc on the basepaths. Gusto and his catcher will need to keep runners close and limit free bases.
• Late-inning execution: September baseball at 9:40 PM in Phoenix can get strange. The Marlins' expanded roster gives manager options — using them correctly late could be the difference.

Prediction

This is a tough road spot. Chase Field is a hitter-friendly environment, and Arizona's lineup — anchored by Marte and Carroll — is capable of putting up runs in bunches. The key variable is Gusto. If he can give Miami five or six quality innings and keep the Diamondbacks to three runs or fewer, the offense has a shot. Kelly is experienced enough to keep Miami off-balance, which makes this a close game that likely comes down to bullpen management.

Give the edge to Arizona at home in a 4-2 final, but the Marlins are capable of flipping this one if Gusto is on. Tune in on Marlins.TV or catch the Spanish-language call on WAQI 710 or La Campesina 101.9 FM.