The Miami Marlins didn’t get the start they wanted against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday night, falling 6-2 in the opener of the weekend series. Even in a loss, though, there was a reason for Miami to feel better about one of its arms.
Ryan Gusto kept things steady on the mound and gave the Marlins six innings, allowing two runs on five hits while walking three and striking out three. For a club that is not going to make the postseason this year, that kind of outing still matters, especially with next season in view.
It also stood in sharp contrast to what came before it. In his previous start, Gusto was hit hard, giving up five runs on ten hits across 4.2 innings.
But that rough night came after a run of three outings in which he allowed one run or no runs each time. Put together, the pattern shows a pitcher who has had his share of uneven stretches, but also one who has recently started to settle in.
That’s the encouraging part for Miami. Gusto looked poised and comfortable against the Dodgers, and that matters for a rotation that already has Sandy Alcantara at the top. Alcantara has been the ace and innings eater for the Fish over the last few seasons, and that figures to remain the case moving forward.
There are still question marks behind him, though. Alcantara is grouped with Eury Perez and Max Meyer, whenever Meyer returns from injury, whether that comes at the end of this season or next spring training. After those names, the Marlins still need someone to grab hold of a spot and run with it.
Gusto is trying to be that guy. He has flashed the ability to handle a regular turn, even if this season has brought some stretches where he has looked unplayable and others where he has looked much better. Lately, he has been giving Miami something closer to stability.
That’s what makes this latest start worth noting. If Gusto can keep going out there every fifth day and getting hitters out, the Marlins may have something to build on as the season winds down and into next year.
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