The Miami Marlins return to loanDepot park on Monday, August 24, for a 6:40 PM ET regular-season clash against the Boston Red Sox. Sandy Alcantara gets the ball for Miami, squaring off against Ranger Suarez for Boston in what sets up as a genuine pitching matchup worth watching. With a full lineup card posted for both sides, the Fish have a clear look at what they're up against — and there's enough talent on both rosters to make this one matter from the first pitch.

Pitching Matchup: Sandy Alcantara vs. Ranger Suarez

Sandy Alcantara is the story on the Miami side. The right-hander has long been the anchor of this rotation and taking the mound at home gives the Marlins their best shot at setting the tone early in this series. Alcantara's ability to eat innings and keep the offense in the game is exactly what Miami needs against a Boston lineup that has real depth from top to bottom.

Ranger Suarez gets the call for the Red Sox. The left-hander brings a different look than Miami's lineup typically faces, and how the Marlins adjust to a southpaw early in the game will be a key subplot. Suarez is a legitimate arm, and the Fish will need to be disciplined and patient at the plate to do any damage.

Miami Marlins Starting Lineup

• 1. Otto Lopez — SS
• 2. Heriberto Hernández — LF
• 3. Kyle Stowers — 1B
• 4. Agustín Ramírez — DH
• 5. Xavier Edwards — 2B
• 6. Jakob Marsee — CF
• 7. Javier Sanoja — 3B
• 8. Esteury Ruiz — RF
• 9. Joe Mack — C

Boston Red Sox Starting Lineup

• 1. Nick Sogard — SS
• 2. Ceddanne Rafaela — CF
• 3. Wilyer Abreu — RF
• 4. Willson Contreras — 1B
• 5. Adley Rutschman — C
• 6. Caleb Durbin — 3B
• 7. Jarren Duran — LF
• 8. Mickey Gasper — DH
• 9. Anthony Seigler — 2B

Keys to Watch for the Marlins

• Alcantara's command: If he's locating his pitches and keeping Boston's middle of the order — Contreras and Rutschman — off the bases, Miami controls this game. When Alcantara is dialed in at loanDepot park, he's a problem for any lineup.
• Otto Lopez setting the table: Lopez leading off gives Miami a contact-oriented, on-base presence who can create havoc if he gets on. How he fares against Suarez early will shape the Marlins' offensive rhythm all night.
• Agustín Ramírez in the cleanup spot: The young DH gets a high-leverage opportunity batting fourth. Boston will have to account for him, and how he handles a left-handed starter is worth tracking closely.
• Xavier Edwards and plate discipline: Edwards at fifth in the order provides a contact-first presence that can extend innings and keep pressure on Boston's defense.

Prediction

Give me the Marlins in this one. Alcantara at home is a genuine advantage, and the Miami lineup has enough speed and contact ability to scratch out runs against a left-handed starter if they stay patient. Boston's lineup is dangerous — Rutschman and Contreras in the middle are no joke — but Alcantara has the stuff to keep them in check. Marlins win, 3-2.

Catch the game on Marlins.TV presented by Werner, Hoffman, Greig and Garcia, or locally on WQAM 104.3 FM and WAQI 710 AM for Spanish-language coverage. First pitch from loanDepot park at 6:40 PM ET.