The Miami Marlins head to Flushing for a Saturday afternoon matchup against the New York Mets at Citi Field, with first pitch scheduled for 4:10 PM ET on August 1, 2026. Right-hander Tyler Phillips gets the start for Miami against Mets starter Zac Thornton. With the regular season deep into its second half, every series on the road carries real weight — and this one against a division rival is no exception. The Marlins will need a strong outing from their rotation and timely offense to come away with a win in Queens.
Marlins vs. Mets: Saturday August 1 Pitching Matchup at Citi Field
Tyler Phillips draws the start for the Marlins in this one. Phillips has worked to carve out a role in Miami's rotation, and a road start against the Mets is exactly the kind of assignment where he can prove his value. The Mets counter with Zac Thornton, a name that Marlins hitters will need to do their homework on. Neither pitcher comes into this preview with available ERA or win-loss data to lean on, so the performance on Saturday will speak for itself.
Keys to Watch for the Miami Marlins
- Phillips finding the zone early: Road starts against division opponents tend to get loud fast at Citi Field. Phillips will want to limit walks and keep the Mets off the bases in the early innings before the crowd gets into it.
- Marlins lineup against an unfamiliar arm: Zac Thornton is not a household name, and that cuts both ways. Miami's hitters will need to stay disciplined at the plate and avoid chasing, letting the at-bats develop rather than swinging themselves into trouble early.
- Bullpen management: In a late-season road game, how Miami's manager deploys the relief corps after Phillips could determine the outcome. Keeping high-leverage arms fresh while covering innings is the balancing act.
- Defense up the middle: Citi Field rewards teams that play clean defense. Any miscues in the infield or outfield gaps can turn into big innings fast against a Mets lineup playing at home.
Broadcast Information
Saturday's game can be seen on SNY and streamed on Marlins.TV presented by Werner, Hoffman, Greig and Garcia. Radio coverage is available on WQAM 104.3 FM in Miami, with Spanish-language broadcasts on WAQI 710 AM and the Audacy App at 92.3 HD2.
Prediction: Marlins vs. Mets, August 1, 2026
This is a game that hinges almost entirely on what Phillips brings to the mound. If he can give Miami five or six competitive innings and keep the Mets' lineup from stringing together crooked numbers, the Marlins have enough to steal a road win. Citi Field is never an easy place to play, and the Mets at home are a genuine challenge. But road wins are built on pitching and defense — and if Phillips is on, Miami has a real shot. Call it a close one: Marlins 4, Mets 3.
