Marlins' Collapse: Miami was 10 games over .500 before the All-Star break but has lost 10 straight games, falling back to .500 (52-52) after being swept by Cleveland, Milwaukee, and Houston.
Padres Seeking .500: San Diego sits at 51-53 with a 24-29 road record. A series win would pull them within reach of breaking even.
Sunday's Matchup (July 26): Game at 1:40 p.m. ET. Starters: Walker Buehler (SD) vs Janson Junk (MIA) at loanDepot park.
Wild Card Race: Miami sits 3 games back of the third NL Wild Card spot (held by Arizona), while San Diego is 4 games back.
Friday's Result: San Diego won the opener 4-2 despite only 5 hits, highlighted by a pinch-hit two-run homer from Luis Rengifo in the 8th inning.
Why this matters: Both teams are in a tight NL Wild Card chase — every game counts as the second half heats up, and this series could shift momentum for either club heading into August.
The Miami Marlins appeared to be legitimate contenders before the All-Star break, riding a six-game winning streak that put them 10 games over .500. However, the second half has been a nightmare. Miami was swept by the Cleveland Guardians, Milwaukee Brewers, and Houston Astros before hosting San Diego. The 10-game skid has erased all their first-half gains.
The Padres, meanwhile, have struggled with consistency all season. Despite a roster featuring stars like Fernando Tatis Jr. (.283 AVG, 8 HR, 47 RBI) and Manny Machado (22 HR, 60 RBI), San Diego has been unable to sustain winning stretches. Their pitching has been a mixed bag — Walker Buehler (Sunday starter) and Michael King are key arms as the team pushes for a playoff spot.
Manny Machado vs Marlins Pitching: Machado leads the Padres with 22 home runs and 60 RBI, though his .208 batting average is uncharacteristically low. He's a threat to change the game with one swing.
Eury Pérez (Saturday): The Marlins right-hander is 5-7 with a solid 3.53 ERA over 91.2 innings. He gives Miami a fighting chance to snap their losing streak.
Jakob Marsee: The Marlins' center fielder is hitting just .194 but has shown flashes of power and speed. His production will be critical for a Miami lineup needing a spark.
TV: FOX Deportes, FOX Sports 1, Marlins.TV, Padres.TV
Radio: Fox Sports 940 (San Diego)
Streaming: Available on [Fubo](https://www.fubo.tv/?ref=yanuki.com)
Tickets: Available on [StubHub](https://www.stubhub.com/?ref=yanuki.com), [Ticketmaster](https://www.ticketmaster.com/?ref=yanuki.com), and [Vivid Seats](https://www.vividseats.com/?ref=yanuki.com)
Following this series, Miami hosts the Phillies for three games (July 27-29) before heading to New York to face the Mets. San Diego returns home to face the Rockies, Giants, and Diamondbacks in a crucial homestand.
Where is the Padres vs Marlins game being played?
The series is at loanDepot park in Miami, Florida.
What time do the games start?
Saturday, July 25 at 4:10 p.m. ET; Sunday, July 26 at 1:40 p.m. ET.
How can I watch the game?
Games are available on FOX Deportes, FOX Sports 1, Marlins.TV, and Padres.TV. You can also stream via Fubo.
Who are the starting pitchers for Sunday's game?
Walker Buehler starts for the Padres, and Janson Junk takes the mound for the Marlins.
What are the Marlins' and Padres' records?
Miami is 52-52, while San Diego is 51-53 heading into the series.
How far are these teams from a Wild Card spot?
The Marlins are 3 games back, and the Padres are 4 games back of the final NL Wild Card position.
If you're a Padres fan: This road series is a golden opportunity to get back to .500 and build momentum before a favorable homestand against the Rockies and Giants.
If you're a Marlins fan: The team desperately needs to snap the losing streak. Watch for Eury Pérez to set the tone early in his start.
For baseball bettors: Miami has been the favorite (-142 for Saturday's game per Fubo News), but a 10-game losing streak suggests caution. Monitor starting pitching matchups closely.
Who this affects most: Both fan bases — this series could define each team's trajectory heading into the August trade deadline.
Do you think the Marlins can snap their losing streak and get back on track for a Wild Card push, or will the Padres continue their climb toward .500? Let us know in the comments!
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