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Marlins vs Braves action arrives at Truist Park on Tuesday night, with Atlanta looking to extend its winning streak and Miami hoping to create movement in a crowded National League playoff race. First pitch is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. ET.
The Braves enter the series opener with their first five-game winning streak since April. Atlanta completed a strong early-August sweep of the Washington Nationals, who entered that series above .500 but left two games below the mark. The recent run has improved the atmosphere around the club, although questions surrounding the team’s trade deadline decisions remain part of the conversation.
Marlins vs Braves Brings Major National League Stakes
Miami arrives in Atlanta with a 58-55 record and remains firmly in the postseason picture. The Marlins are tied with San Diego and sit only two games behind the Philadelphia Phillies and Arizona Diamondbacks for a National League Wild Card position.
That makes this more than a routine regular-season matchup. The Marlins are trying to stay within striking distance of October baseball, while the Braves are attempting to build momentum with 50 games remaining in the 2026 regular season. Every win carries added weight as the Wild Card race tightens.
Atlanta will send Grant Holmes to the mound. The right-hander is 6-4 with a 3.88 ERA, but his recent workload has raised questions about how the Braves should use him moving forward. There had been hope that Holmes could transition from the starting rotation into an effective long-relief role, but that change has not happened.
Grant Holmes Looks to Deliver a Powerful Bounce-Back Start
Holmes made five starts in July and completed at least five innings in four of them. His strongest performance came July 8 against the Pittsburgh Pirates, when he allowed only three hits and no runs.
His most recent outing was considerably more difficult. Facing Washington on July 30, Holmes worked 4.2 innings and surrendered five hits, including three home runs. Fortunately for Atlanta, all three homers were solo shots. The outing continued a concerning trend: Holmes has not completed six innings since June 3.
The Braves will need a steadier performance against Miami’s lineup. Holmes faced the Marlins in mid-April and was removed after four innings, following three hits and two walks that produced three runs. Xavier Edwards has the most at-bats against Holmes among Miami hitters, going 1-for-8, while Kyle Stowers is 0-for-6.
Ryan Gusto Gives Atlanta’s Offense a Critical Opportunity
Miami will counter with right-hander Ryan Gusto, who enters the game 0-2 with a 5.31 ERA. Gusto has moved between the rotation and bullpen this season, making eight appearances as a starter and five as a reliever.
Gusto worked primarily as a starter in June before being optioned. After returning July 9, he initially eased back into action through the bullpen. His longest start of the season came against Philadelphia on July 29, but the results were rough: five innings, nine hits, six earned runs, one home run, two walks and three strikeouts.
Atlanta has enjoyed success against Gusto in the past. He faced the Braves twice last August and took the loss in both games. Atlanta won those contests by 7-1 and 12-1 scores, tagging him for three earned runs in the first meeting and nine in the second.
Ozzie Albies and Michael Harris II have each recorded six at-bats against Gusto, the most among Braves hitters. Albies and Matt Olson have both homered off the right-hander, giving Atlanta an encouraging matchup to watch as the game begins.
Game Information and What to Watch
- Matchup: Atlanta Braves vs. Miami Marlins
- Date: Tuesday, August 4, 2026
- First pitch: 7:15 p.m. ET
- Location: Truist Park, Atlanta, Georgia
- Braves starter: Grant Holmes
- Marlins starter: Ryan Gusto
- Television: BravesVision and Gray TV
- Streaming: MLB.tv
- Radio: 680 AM, 93.7 FM The Fan, and La Mejor stations
The opening innings could define the tone of the series. Atlanta wants Holmes to limit the long ball and provide length, while Miami will look to pressure him early with traffic on the bases. On the other side, the Braves’ hitters have a chance to attack Gusto before Miami can turn the game over to its bullpen.
With both teams pursuing important National League goals, the Marlins vs Braves opener offers a compelling mix of playoff pressure, recent momentum and pitching uncertainty. Atlanta is riding high, but Miami has plenty of motivation to spoil the Braves’ hot streak at Truist Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Marlins vs Braves game?
The game is scheduled for Tuesday, August 4, 2026, with first pitch at 7:15 p.m. ET.
Who are the starting pitchers?
Grant Holmes is scheduled to start for the Atlanta Braves, while Ryan Gusto is slated to take the mound for the Miami Marlins.
Where will the game be played?
The matchup will be held at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia.
What is Grant Holmes’ 2026 record and ERA?
Holmes enters the contest with a 6-4 record and a 3.88 ERA.
Why is this game important?
Miami is competing for a Wild Card berth, while Atlanta is trying to extend a five-game winning streak and strengthen its position with 50 regular-season games remaining.
