The Philadelphia Phillies return to Citizens Bank Park on Monday, August 17, for a 6:40 PM ET first pitch against the Miami Marlins. Left-hander Cristopher Sánchez gets the ball for the Phillies opposite Miami's Janson Junk. With a lineup that runs nine deep from top to bottom, Philadelphia has an opportunity to do damage against a Marlins club that has struggled to find consistent pitching this season. This one airs on NBCSP locally and streams on 94 WIP for those listening on the radio.

Phillies vs. Marlins Pitching Matchup: Sánchez vs. Junk

Cristopher Sánchez has carved out a legitimate role in this Philadelphia rotation through a combination of deception, movement, and an ability to work deep into games. The left-hander is the kind of starter who keeps lineups off-balance, and the Marlins do not present an especially fearsome offensive challenge. If Sánchez is on his game and commanding both sides of the plate, the Phillies should be in a strong position through six or seven innings.

On the other side, Miami sends Janson Junk to the mound. Junk has bounced between roles at the major league level, and facing a lineup this constructed — with legitimate threats from the leadoff spot all the way through the order — is a steep assignment. The Phillies will look to make it a long evening for him early.

Philadelphia Phillies Starting Lineup for August 17

• 1. Kyle Schwarber, DH
• 2. Trea Turner, SS
• 3. Bryce Harper, RF
• 4. Luis Arraez, 2B
• 5. Alec Bohm, 1B
• 6. Bryson Stott, 3B
• 7. Brandon Marsh, LF
• 8. J.T. Realmuto, C
• 9. Justin Crawford, CF

Keys to Watch in Phillies vs. Marlins

Schwarber and Harper Set the Table Early

Kyle Schwarber leading off and Bryce Harper hitting third gives the Phillies two of their most dangerous hitters in position to do the most damage. If Junk falls behind in counts early, this lineup has the power to break a game open in a hurry. Harper in particular has the kind of at-bats that can flip momentum in a single swing.

Luis Arraez Hitting Cleanup

Slotting Luis Arraez into the four hole is an interesting wrinkle worth watching. Arraez is one of the hardest hitters in baseball to strikeout and consistently makes contact at an elite rate. Hitting behind Harper, he becomes a threat to drive in runs with the line drive singles and doubles that define his game.

Justin Crawford in the Nine Spot

Crawford batting ninth and Turner batting second creates a situation where speed is loaded at the top and bottom of the order. If Crawford gets on base ahead of Schwarber and Turner, the Phillies' offense can cycle through quickly. It's a lineup construction worth tracking across the full nine innings.

Prediction: Phillies Win Behind Sánchez

The matchup favors Philadelphia. Sánchez has the profile to neutralize Miami's lineup, and the Phillies have the offensive firepower to make Junk uncomfortable from the first inning. Citizens Bank Park should be a lively atmosphere on a summer Monday night, and this is a game the Phillies are built to win. Take Philadelphia in a 5-2 final.