The Miami Marlins return to loanDepot park on Wednesday, August 12 for a 6:40 PM ET matchup against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Right-hander Janson Junk gets the ball for Miami, squaring off against Pittsburgh's Carmen Mlodzinski in what shapes up as a battle between two clubs looking to build momentum deep into the 2026 season. With a lineup loaded with young talent and a home crowd behind them, the Marlins have every reason to treat this one as a statement game.

Marlins vs. Pirates Starting Pitchers: Junk vs. Mlodzinski

Janson Junk draws the start for Miami. The right-hander has carved out a role in this rotation, and pitching at home in front of the loanDepot park faithful gives him every advantage. His job is straightforward: keep Pittsburgh's offense off the board early and give this Marlins lineup a chance to work.

Carmen Mlodzinski gets the nod for the Pirates. The Pittsburgh right-hander will be tested by a Miami lineup that is built around contact and athleticism at the top. Mlodzinski will need to be sharp from pitch one if he wants to navigate this order cleanly.

Miami Marlins Starting Lineup

• 1. Xavier Edwards, 2B
• 2. Otto Lopez, SS
• 3. Griffin Conine, 1B
• 4. Heriberto Hernández, LF
• 5. Jakob Marsee, CF
• 6. Agustín Ramírez, DH
• 7. Owen Caissie, RF
• 8. Leo Jiménez, 3B
• 9. Joe Mack, C

Pittsburgh Pirates Starting Lineup

• 1. Jake Mangum, CF
• 2. Brandon Lowe, 2B
• 3. Bryan Reynolds, LF
• 4. Spencer Horwitz, 1B
• 5. Nick Gonzales, 3B
• 6. Ronny Simon, DH
• 7. Esmerlyn Valdez, RF
• 8. Jacob Gonzalez, SS
• 9. Henry Davis, C

Keys to Watch in Wednesday's Marlins-Pirates Game

Edwards and Lopez Setting the Table

Xavier Edwards leading off and Otto Lopez batting second gives Miami one of the more dynamic top-of-the-order combinations in the lineup. Both players are capable of putting pressure on a defense through contact and baserunning. If those two are on base consistently, it creates opportunities for Griffin Conine and Heriberto Hernández to do damage in the middle of the order.

Hernández in the Cleanup Spot

Heriberto Hernández batting fourth signals the trust this organization has placed in the young outfielder. His ability to drive in runs in that lineup spot will be one of the central storylines of this game. Mlodzinski will have to be careful working around him.

Bryan Reynolds for Pittsburgh

Bryan Reynolds batting third for the Pirates is the name Miami's pitching staff needs to respect most. Reynolds has the track record and the bat to change a game on his own. Junk must have a plan for him early and not give Reynolds anything to punish in hitter's counts.

Joe Mack Behind the Plate

Joe Mack catching for Miami means a young backstop will be guiding Junk through the Pittsburgh lineup. How Mack manages the game and handles the pitching staff is worth monitoring as he continues to develop at the major league level.

Prediction

This is a winnable game at home for Miami. The Marlins lineup has the pieces to make Mlodzinski work deep into counts, and if Edwards and Lopez can get on base at the top, the middle of this order will have chances. Junk needs to keep Pittsburgh's offense in check through five innings. Expect a close game decided by which bullpen holds up in the late innings. Edge: Marlins, 4-2.

Catch the action on Marlins.TV presented by Werner, Hoffman, Greig and Garcia, or listen locally on WQAM 104.3 FM and WAQI 710 AM for Spanish-language coverage.