So far this MLB season here at Elite Sports Beat I am 7-4 (64%) +$2,100 overall (previous picks can be found here). Secure Your 7-Day All-Access Pass for Just $30 — No Recurring Charges. Just Wins.

Two Surging Teams Collide in Crucial Early-Season NL Clash

The Arizona Diamondbacks and Miami Marlins both enter this week’s three-game series with winning records and rising momentum — but navigating their respective divisions will require more than just strong Aprils.

Arizona (9-7) visits Miami (8-7) on Tuesday night in a matchup between two clubs looking to keep pace in two of baseball’s toughest divisions. The Diamondbacks are holding their own in a loaded NL West, while the Marlins are fighting for ground in the NL East, which remains stacked with perennial contenders.

Division Pressure Builds Early

The NL West boasts three teams with double-digit wins already — the Dodgers, Padres, and Giants — making Arizona’s early success all the more impressive. Over in the NL East, the Marlins are battling against proven powerhouses in the Mets, Phillies, and Braves — each of whom won at least 89 games in 2024.

For teams like Miami and Arizona, every win matters — especially against non-division opponents — and this series is a key opportunity for both sides to stay above water.

Tuesday’s Pitching Matchup: Kelly vs. Gillispie

The Diamondbacks will send Merrill Kelly to the mound in Game 1. Kelly (2-1, 7.20 ERA) has struggled with command early, posting a walk rate of 5.4 BB/9, more than double his 2023 mark. The 36-year-old missed most of last season due to a shoulder injury but owns a 32-18 record since the start of 2022.

Kelly’s track record against the Marlins hasn’t been favorable — he’s 0-2 with a 6.56 ERA in four career starts, including one rocky outing in Miami where he allowed seven runs in six innings.

On the other side, Connor Gillispie takes the hill for the Marlins. The 27-year-old righty is still establishing himself in the majors and will make his first career start vs. Arizona. Gillispie enters the game with an 0-1 record and a 3.86 ERA across three starts. Though the Marlins have lost each of his appearances this season, he’s kept them competitive with a WHIP of 1.14 and solid command.

💸 Want to Win Big The Next 7 Days?

If you’ve been following along, you already know my track record speaks for itself. Whether it’s an under-the-radar dog, a first 5-inning gem, or totals flying under the radar — I find the value plays the public misses. So far this MLB season I am 7-4 (64%) +$2,100 overall (previous picks can be found here)

FOR JUST $30 YOU WILL GET

✅ 7 full days of elite MLB % NHL picks
✅ Direct email access — no app needed
✅ Absolutely no recurring charges!!!!
✅ Zero fluff — just documented, high-quality picks backed by analysis

Miami’s Lineup Heating Up

The Marlins are coming off a strong series win over the Nationals and have now won three of their last four games, scoring 11 runs in Sunday’s series finale. Their offense has been clicking — Miami is hitting .253 as a team with a .328 OBP and .375 slugging percentage.

Matt Mervis leads the club in both home runs (5) and RBIs (11), while Kyle Stowers (.314 BA, .880 OPS) and Xavier Edwards (.385 over a 7-game hit streak) have emerged as key contributors. Rookie catcher Liam Hicks, forced into action due to an injury to Nick Fortes, has chipped in with 5 RBIs in his last 6 games.

Arizona’s Offense Holding Steady Without Marte

Despite missing All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte due to a hamstring issue, Arizona’s offense continues to deliver. First baseman Josh Naylor, a former Marlins draft pick, has brought power to the middle of the lineup after setting career highs with Cleveland last season.

The Diamondbacks also feature Eugenio Suárez, who tallied 30 home runs and 101 RBIs last year, and Lourdes Gurriel Jr., a 2023 All-Star with 42 home runs across the past two seasons. Speedster Corbin Carroll has been red-hot at the plate, leading the team with 21 hits, while Jacob Perdomo is batting .333 with 13 RBIs.

As a team, Arizona enters the series with a .256 batting average, a strong .348 OBP, and .436 slugging percentage. Their pitching has been solid as well, with a 4.34 ERA and 1.16 WHIP, though Kelly’s recent inconsistency has been a weak spot.

Trends and Series Outlook
  • Miami is 6-4 at home and 4-1 to the over in their last five games.
  • Arizona is 4-1 in their last five and 4-0-2 to the under in their last six.
  • Kelly’s past three starts vs. Miami: 17.1 IP, 10 ER — but Arizona won all three games.
  • The Marlins have seen strong production from unexpected sources while waiting on their veteran stars to heat up.
Diamondbacks vs Marlins Elite MLB Pick 4/15

This series might not grab national headlines, but for two teams hoping to rise above the pack, it’s a proving ground for success in the sports betting market — and potentially a momentum builder for your bankroll!

👉 Click below to grab your 7-day pass for just $30 and start betting like a pro.

Discover more from Elite Sports Beat

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.