For a young team with lots of potential, there is still more work to be done. The Miami Marlins must continue to find a way to be consistent with certain types of pitchers and their mechanics.

One of their weaknesses is a key reason why they have been a streaky team. The Marlins are 64-64, and their chances of making the playoffs could run out if they don't get it together.

Miami is way better than their record indicates. Their starting rotation can't rely too much on the fastball, and their lineup must have an answer against lefties.

Struggles Against Left-Handers and Starters' Pitching Adjustments

Since the Marlins don't have a problem hitting righties, that's not the case when it comes to left-handed pitchers. Against lefties this season, the Marlins are hitting .239 and have collected 31 home runs. When they go up against righties, the team has hit 100 home runs and 411 RBIs in total as a team.

Most of the problems come from the hitting order from No. 5 through No. 9. The batting average from the bottom of the lineup against lefties is under .245. Some of their best production is coming from their infielders.

For the Marlins' pitchers, there should be some tweaks to their mechanics. There's a good chance the team could find more success if the pitchers use more changeups and splitters. Eury Perez has made some improvements in his starts when he relies more on his changeup than fastballs. It's good to use a four-seam fastball, but not make it too much of a habit.

We understand that fastballs are a common pitch in baseball. The game of pitching is more effective and exciting when a pitcher challenges a hitter with different techniques and strategies. Tyler Phillips is a totally different pitcher when he throws his splitters often in-game. The more he throws the splitter, the more it helps the team win games.

Sandy Alcantara is a great pitcher for a reason. The former 2022 Cy Young winner doesn't just throw the heater; throughout his career, especially this season, he doesn't shy away from throwing too many changeups. 

The key for the Marlins to stay out of trouble moving ahead this season is to avoid throwing too many fastballs and for the lineup to make adjustments against lefties. 

If they want to be taken seriously, they must answer the bell, and they have a chance to do so against the Washington Nationals in the three-game weekend series. The Marlins will be facing lefties such as Jackson Kent on Sunday.