The Miami Marlins head to Flushing for a Friday night matchup against the New York Mets at Citi Field, with first pitch scheduled for 7:10 PM ET on July 31, 2026. Janson Junk gets the start for Miami against Mets right-hander Freddy Peralta. These interleague-style divisional road games matter — every game in the second half of the season shapes where this club stands come September, and a series win in New York would be a statement worth making.
Marlins at Mets: Friday, July 31, 2026 Game Preview
Starting Pitchers
Janson Junk draws the start for the Marlins. The right-hander has been part of Miami's rotation mix this season, and Friday's assignment at Citi Field is a legitimate test. Pitching in New York, in front of a charged home crowd, against a Mets lineup that can make you pay for mistakes — this is not a soft landing spot. Junk will need to work efficiently, get ahead in counts, and limit traffic on the bases if Miami wants to stay in this game through the middle innings.
On the other side, the Mets are sending Freddy Peralta to the mound. Peralta is a veteran arm capable of missing bats, and he gives New York a credible option to shut down a Marlins offense that has to be ready to compete from the first pitch. Miami's hitters cannot afford to fall behind early against a pitcher with Peralta's profile.
Keys to Watch for the Marlins
- Junk's command early: Getting through the first two innings without a crooked number is the baseline ask. If Junk can establish himself early, Miami's bullpen has a chance to hold a lead or keep the game close.
- Offensive patience against Peralta: Peralta can overwhelm hitters who chase. Miami's lineup needs to work counts, take walks when they're available, and look for pitches to drive rather than expand the zone.
- Bullpen management: Road games at Citi Field can turn quickly. The Marlins' relief corps will likely be called on at some point Friday night — how those arms respond in a hostile environment could decide the final score.
- Situational hitting: Runners on base mean nothing without timely contact. Miami has to convert opportunities when they arise, especially against a Mets team that will be looking to put this one away early at home.
Broadcast Information
Marlins fans can catch Friday's game on Marlins.TV presented by Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia or on CBS Miami for local television coverage. Radio coverage is available on WQAM 104.3 FM, with Spanish-language broadcasts on WAQI 710 AM and the Audacy App at 92.3 HD2.
Prediction
This is a road game against a team playing at home, and Peralta is a real challenge on any given night. That said, Marlins road trips are where character gets defined. If Junk can give Miami five innings and the offense finds a way to get to Peralta two or three times through the lineup, this game is winnable. It won't be easy, but nothing worth having in this league ever is. Marlins 4, Mets 3 — Miami steals one in Flushing.
