A major reason why the Marlins have the worst record in the National League is their lack of offense. Miami ranks last in the majors in runs scored and homers.
The Marlins were dominated last night by Clay Buchholz, who is on the downside of his career having pitching for three teams in the last three years.Yet Miami managed only one run on six hits in seven innings versus Buchholz, who struck out nine while walking just one.
If the Marlins had that much trouble against Buchholz they really figure to struggle against Zach Greinke, who also changes speeds well and still retains his elite status especially when pitching at home. Greinke is 15-1 at Chase Field during the past two seasons. He has a 1.69 home ERA in six starts this year limiting opposing hitters to a .184 mark.
Arizona has won 20 of Greinke's past 26 home starts. Greinke is 5-0 lifetime against the Marlins, who have lost the past six times when going up against a righthanded starter.
Miami has dropped 32 of its past 45 away games. The Marlins are 1-5 during their last six games at Chase Field.
Rookie lefty Caleb Smith has been up-and-down for the Marlins. He's 4-5 with a 3.51 ERA. The rebuilding Marlins are giving Smith a long leash.
Smith is capable of coming up with a good performance. But the Diamondbacks have finally begun showing some offense scoring 30 runs in their last four games. That's the most they've scored in a four-game stretch all season. Arizona also is 13-7 this season against southpaw starters.