The Los Angeles Dodgers make the trip to Miami for a Friday night matchup against the Marlins at loanDepot park, with first pitch scheduled for 7:10 PM ET on September 11, 2026. With the regular season winding down, every game carries weight in the standings, and the Dodgers will look to pick up a road win against a Marlins club that is sending right-hander Ryan Gusto to the mound. The Dodgers have not announced a probable starter of their own, so Los Angeles' pitching situation bears watching as game time approaches.

Pitching Matchup: Gusto Starts for Miami, Dodgers Starter TBD

Miami will hand the ball to Ryan Gusto, a name Dodgers fans may not recognize immediately, but any opposing arm deserves respect on a given night. Pitching stats for Gusto were not available at the time of this preview, which makes it harder to project how the Dodgers' lineup should approach him. When a pitcher is something of an unknown quantity, the approach is simple: work counts, get on base, and make him earn every out.

On the Los Angeles side, no probable starter has been confirmed. Whether this ends up being a scheduled opener, a spot start, or a bullpen game, the Dodgers' pitching staff will need to keep Miami's lineup in check. Watch for updates before first pitch.

Miami Marlins Lineup to Watch

The Marlins are rolling out a lineup with some intriguing pieces. Heriberto Hernández leads off in left field, followed by shortstop Otto Lopez batting second. Center fielder Jakob Marsee hits third, with Javier Sanoja cleaning up at the four-hole from third base. Agustín Ramírez handles the catching duties and bats fifth, while Kyle Stowers mans first base at six. Esteury Ruiz — a known stolen-base threat — hits seventh in right field, Jared Serna takes the two spot at second base, and Griffin Conine rounds out the order as the designated hitter.

Keys to Watch for the Dodgers

• Identify Gusto early: With limited public information on the Miami starter, getting traffic on the bases in the first two innings will be critical for the Dodgers to get a read on his stuff.
• Esteury Ruiz on the bases: Ruiz's speed is a genuine weapon. The Dodgers' battery — whoever starts — will need to keep him honest if he reaches base.
• Clarifying the rotation: The TBD starter situation is the biggest variable heading into this one. A healthy, full-strength starter would be the preferred outcome for Los Angeles.
• Road discipline: loanDepot park plays differently than Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers need to stay disciplined at the plate and avoid chasing in a park that can flatten offenses.

Prediction

With so many unknowns — particularly the Dodgers' starting pitcher — it is hard to make a bold projection here. What we do know is that the Dodgers have the talent to win on any given Friday night in September. If Los Angeles gets a quality pitching performance and the lineup does its job against an unfamiliar arm in Ryan Gusto, the Dodgers are equipped to come away with a road win. Edge: Dodgers, but watch that pitching announcement closely.

Catch the game on SportsNet LA or listen along on Dodgers Radio AM570. Spanish-language coverage is available on KTNQ 1020.