MLB Game Preview: St. Louis Cardinals (13-10) vs. Miami Marlins (12-12)

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Venue, Date & Start Time

First Pitch: 9:10 AM PT / 12:10 PM ET

Ballpark: loanDepot park, Miami, Florida

Weather Outlook (Miami, FL)

Temperature: 77°F at gametime

Wind: 13 mph NE

Conditions: Typical warm, humid Miami environment; roof status not specified but often closed in similar conditions.

Injury Report

St. Louis Cardinals

Hunter Dobbins (SP) — 15‑Day IL, expected return Apr 24

Matt Pushard (RP) — 15‑Day IL, expected return Apr 24

Lars Nootbaar (LF) — 60‑Day IL, expected return May 26

Ixan Henderson (SP) — 60‑Day IL, expected return May 29

Victor Santos (RP) — 60‑Day IL, expected return Jun 1

Miami Marlins

Christopher Morel (LF) — 10‑Day IL, expected return Apr 27

Esteury Ruiz (LF) — 10‑Day IL, expected return May 15

Griffin Conine (LF) — 10‑Day IL, expected return Jun 1

Ronny Henriquez (RP) — 60‑Day IL

Jesus Tinoco (RP) — Out

Probable Pitching Matchup

St. Louis — RHP Kyle Leahy (2–2, 5.21 ERA)

WHIP: 1.53

IP: 19.0 | H: 21 | K: 13 | BB: 8 | HR: 4

Miami — RHP Janson Junk (0–2, 4.50 ERA)

WHIP: 1.32

IP: 22.0 | H: 23 | K: 15 | BB: 6 | HR: 2

Pitching Edge: Slight lean to Miami, as Junk has been more efficient and limits hard contact better than Leahy.

Team Records & Recent Form

St. Louis Cardinals (13–10)

Last 5: W 5‑3, L 5‑3, W 7‑5, W 7‑5, W 9‑4

Team Stats: .232 AVG | 111 R | 26 HR | .325 OBP | 4.78 ERA

Miami Marlins (12–12)

Last 5: L 5‑3, W 5‑3, W 5‑3, L 5‑2, L 7‑5

Team Stats: .253 AVG | 108 R | 17 HR | .331 OBP | 4.05 ERA

Key Player Matchups

St. Louis Offense

Jordan Walker: 8 HR, .292 AVG, 16 RBI (team leader in HR & RBI)

Alec Burleson: 17 RBI, .278 AVG

Miami Offense

Liam Hicks: 4 HR, 21 RBI, .324 AVG

Xavier Edwards: .348 AVG, .431 OBP

Matchup Lens: St. Louis brings more power; Miami brings more contact and on‑base skill. Edwards vs. Leahy is a key matchup given Leahy’s elevated WHIP.

Series History & Context

4/20: Marlins win 5–3

4/21: Cardinals win 5–3

This finale decides the series.

Game Odds

St. Louis Cardinals           8.5

Miami Marlins                  – 143

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, April 21, 2026

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MLB Editor
Profile: A dedicated Major League Baseball analyst with a comprehensive understanding of the sport’s strategic, statistical, and developmental layers. This columnist delivers in‑depth coverage that blends advanced metrics, scouting insight, and historical context to illuminate the trends shaping today’s game. Background: With extensive experience following MLB at both the team and league levels, the columnist has contributed to national sports outlets, digital platforms, and radio segments focused on roster construction, player evaluation, and organizational philosophy. A background in sports journalism and analytics supports a disciplined approach to breaking down performance, interpreting data, and tracking long‑term competitive cycles. Signature Coverage Areas: Game previews and pitching‑matchup analysis Advanced statistical breakdowns and sabermetric insights Prospect evaluation, farm‑system trends, and player development Trade‑deadline movement, free‑agency analysis, and front‑office strategy Historical context and postseason features Style & Approach: The writing emphasizes clarity, accuracy, and accessibility — translating complex data and tactical nuance into insights that resonate with both traditional fans and analytically minded readers. Each column reflects a commitment to balanced reporting, thoughtful evaluation, and a deep appreciation for the evolving landscape of Major League Baseball.