Reeling Marlins turn to Janson Junk in opener vs. Astros

The Miami Marlins' 3-1 walk-off loss to the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday served as a microcosm of their recent performances, with their season-worst six-game skid reflecting their quality of play.

Marlins closer Pete Fairbanks surrendered a three-run homer to the Brewers' William Contreras while trying to protect a one-run lead in the bottom of the ninth inning. Miami arrives in Houston for Monday's opener of a three-game series against the Astros not only seeking an end to its losing ways, but a reversal of its current string of poor showings.

"I didn't think it was a specific (stink); I thought it was an all-encompassing type of (stink)," Fairbanks said following the defeat. "So we're going to try and rectify that. But for right now, I'm going to be pretty (angry) about it."

The Marlins' loss in the series finale followed an 8-6 defeat on Saturday that left Miami manager Clayton McCullough displeased. To make matters worse, the Marlins lost All-Star shortstop Otto Lopez to a right ring finger injury in the middle contest of that three-game set. Lopez did not play on Sunday, and his status against the Astros is unclear.

"There's still some swelling there in the nail area," McCullough said. "A day-to-day thing with how he responds over the next few days. Hopefully, some of that soreness gets out of there, and he's able to ramp up some more baseball activity."

Right-hander Janson Junk (4-5, 4.57 ERA) has the starting assignment for the Marlins on Monday.

Junk has won consecutive decisions after dropping three straight decisions in May. Junk beat the Seattle Mariners 8-4 on July 9, when he allowed two runs (one earned) on three hits and four walks with five strikeouts over five innings. That marked the first start for Junk in six weeks following a stint on the injured list.

Junk is 1-0 with a 6.00 ERA in two career starts against the Astros. In his previous appearance against Houston on Aug. 6, 2025, Junk allowed three runs on five hits and two walks with two strikeouts across five innings in a 6-4 home victory.

Right-hander Ronel Blanco (3-4, 4.10 ERA in 2025) will be reinstated from the 60-day injured list and make his season debut for the Astros on Monday. It will mark the first start for Blanco since May 17, 2025, when he allowed three runs on five hits and three walks with five strikeouts across six innings in a 5-1 loss to the Texas Rangers.

Blanco underwent Tommy John surgery soon thereafter and missed the remainder of the season.

In five rehab appearances (four starts) across three levels this season, Blanco is 1-0 with a 1.06 ERA and 13 strikeouts in 17 innings.

The Astros remain in a desperate search for quality starting pitching and are hopeful that Blanco, who tossed a no-hitter against the Toronto Blue Jays in his eighth career major league start and first in the 2024 campaign, can provide a boost to their fortunes.

"He feels good," Astros manager Joe Espada said. "His stuff looked really good in his outings. I'm excited to have him back."

--Field Level Media