Giancarlo Stanton Returns To Florida As New York Takes On Miami

 After an off day Monday New York will return to the diamond when they open up  a two game series starting Tuesday night at Marlins Park.

Along with them they  will bring Giancarlo Stanton who played for Miami for the first eight seasons of his career before being traded to New York this past off-season that sent second baseman Starlin Castro to Miami. 

New York comes into the opener of the two -game series  with a record of 78-46 and is second in the American League East.  Miami meanwhile who is a member of the National League East comes into the opener with a record of 50-76 and is last in their division. "according to  http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/standings/

Masahiro Tanaka will start for New York. The Japanese right -hander comes into the opener of the two-game set with a record of 9-4 with a 4.03 earn run average. "according to  http://m.mlb.com/player/547888/masahiro-tanaka After going unbeaten for a 14-start stretch earlier this summer, Tanaka has now lost his past two outings. The last defeat was hardly his fault: He recovered from a shaky start to hold the Rays to two runs over six innings. "according to http://mlb.mlb.com/news/probable_pitchers/index.jsp?c_id=nyy He will oppose Miami right -hander Pablo Lopez who comes into the game with a record of 2-3 with a 4.79 earn run average. "according to http://m.mlb.com/player/641154/pablo-lopez After two strong starts, Lopez struggled against the Braves in his past outing, allowing six runs over 5 1/3 innings in a loss. Over his eight Major League starts, Lopez has struck out 38 batters and walked 12. "according to http://mlb.mlb.com/news/probable_pitchers/index.jsp?c_id=nyy

As for New York's previous game, They not only hammered Toronto but they swept them in the process. 

Over the past few days, Yankees manager Aaron Boone has spoken repeatedly about the little things he sees in Greg Bird, of the signs that suggested his first baseman seemed poised to break out. Increased bat speed has allowed Bird to swing with more "authority through the zone," Boone said, perceptible compared to the cuts that have defined his summer-long slump. Boone closed his comments on Bird early Sunday morning by predicting a turnaround, noting that "when he's right, it's a big deal for us." "according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/greg-bird-hits-grand-slam-as-yankees-sweep/c-290998900

Maybe Boone was on to something. "according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/greg-bird-hits-grand-slam-as-yankees-sweep/c-290998900

A day after Bird connected for his first home run in three weeks, he continued to display results in the Yankees' 10-2 win over the Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium. In socking his second career grand slam, Bird capped a six-run first inning off losing pitcher Ryan Borucki, a rally the Yankees rode to an emphatic three-game sweep. "according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/greg-bird-hits-grand-slam-as-yankees-sweep/c-290998900

That's two days in a row where we saw the life through the zone," Boone said. "It's like night and day, right?" "according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/greg-bird-hits-grand-slam-as-yankees-sweep/c-290998900

Though the Yankees tacked on four more runs against reliever Tim Mayza in the sixth, Bird's 386-foot shot in the first provided the bedrock for their second double-digit output in as many days. The effort came in sharp contrast to the last time they faced Borucki, who held New York to one run over seven strong innings on July 8 in Toronto. The rookie's first career outing in the Bronx went differently. "according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/greg-bird-hits-grand-slam-as-yankees-sweep/c-290998900

Each of the Yankees' first six hitters scored off Borucki after he issued back-to-back free passes to Aaron Hicks and Giancarlo Stanton to open the first. Hicks and Stanton pulled off a successful double steal before Miguel Andujar singled Hicks home and Didi Gregorius scored Stanton with an infield single. Gleyber Torres legged out an infield single before Bird tagged an inside fastball to the second deck in right, just his third off a left-hander this season. He entered play hitting .140 in August. "according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/greg-bird-hits-grand-slam-as-yankees-sweep/c-290998900

"It's a product of keeping your head up," Bird said. "I felt like I did a better job of using my legs today … I just keep playing. I keep going. The biggest thing is not getting caught up and chasing results, and just doing what you can when you get the opportunity." "according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/greg-bird-hits-grand-slam-as-yankees-sweep/c-290998900

The early outburst was more than enough offense for J.A. Happ, who held his former team to little more than two solo homers over 5 1/3 innings. He remains undefeated in pinstripes since being acquired from Toronto in late July, the lefty now 4-0 with a 2.22 ERA across four starts with New York. "according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/greg-bird-hits-grand-slam-as-yankees-sweep/c-290998900

"It was strange, I can admit that," Happ said. "I think I'd probably prefer not knowing the opposition the way I know those guys. But we got through it, had a big first inning and got a good win." "according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/greg-bird-hits-grand-slam-as-yankees-sweep/c-290998900

All told, the Yankees put up 28 runs on 31 hits in 23 offensive innings against the Jays over the course of a drizzly weekend in the Bronx, where they used that firepower to improve to 12-4 against Toronto this season. The Yankees are now 78-46, marking the first time they've been 32 games over .500 since the end of the 2011 season. "according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/greg-bird-hits-grand-slam-as-yankees-sweep/c-290998900

"A lot of people contributing, and really, I felt like our hunger was good coming in," Boone said. "Really pleased with how the guys came out today from a focus, energy standpoint, to finish this homestand that was kind of up-and-down on a really good note." "according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/greg-bird-hits-grand-slam-as-yankees-sweep

SOUND SMART
According to Elias Sports Bureau, the Yankees' first-inning rally marked the first time since Sept. 14, 1997, against Texas, that they scored six first-inning runs without recording an out. "according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/greg-bird-hits-grand-slam-as-yankees-sweep/c-290998900

Bird's only other career grand slam came on July 11 of this season, against Orioles righty Dylan Bundy. "according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/greg-bird-hits-grand-slam-as-yankees-sweep/c-290998900

FROM THE TRAINER'S ROOM
Sunday's win did not come without another injury concern for the Yankees, who are already playing without Aaron Judge (wrist) and Gary Sanchez (groin), and with a compromised Stanton (hamstring). Now they could be without Gregorius for some time after he suffered a bruised left heel on a collision at first base. "according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/greg-bird-hits-grand-slam-as-yankees-sweep/c-290998900

The Yankees' shortstop initially remained in the game despite slamming into Kendrys Morales  while legging out an infield single in the first, but he was removed two innings later and sent to a local hospital for further testing. Boone said the injury could require a DL stint. "according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/greg-bird-hits-grand-slam-as-yankees-sweep/c-290998900

HE SAID IT
"Those guys were behind me for a long time, and they probably have an idea of how I pitch, but [pitching coach] Larry [Rothschild] said something good, he said, 'There are no secrets in this game anymore.' Everybody knows what you're trying to do, for the most part. It's about executing. So I tried to do that." -- Happ, on facing his former team "according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/greg-bird-hits-grand-slam-as-yankees-sweep/c-290998900

MITEL REPLAY OF THE DAY
Andujar nearly had an RBI nullified when the Blue Jays challenged his run-scoring forceout in the sixth. First-base umpire Jansen Visconti ruled Andujar had beaten Devon Travis ' return throw to first, but Jays manager John Gibbons challenged, momentarily putting Andujar's 65th RBI of the year in jeopardy. That total leads all MLB rookies. After a one-minute, 45-second review, Andujar learned his new tally was safe. The original call made by Visconti, who would eject Gibbons for arguing another play later in the inning, was confirmed. "according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/news/greg-bird-hits-grand-slam-as-yankees-sweep/c-290998900

As for Miami's previous game, they crushed Washington. 

The Marlins held a party in Nationals Park's visiting team clubhouse shortly after their 12-1 win over the Nationals on Sunday afternoon. "according to https://www.mlb.com/marlins/news/marlins-17-hits-back-jose-urena-complete-game/c-291032348

A red cooler sat in the middle of the locker room with a variety of drinks inside. Marlins players sipped the refreshments and yelled at one another as "MotorSport" by Migos, Nicki Minaj and Cardi B blared from gray speakers nearby."according to https://www.mlb.com/marlins/news/marlins-17-hits-back-jose-urena-complete-game/c-291032348

The Marlins were celebrating one of their best wins of the season, which secured their first series victory at the Nationals since May 2014. It also marked Miami's first consecutive victories since beating the Nationals on July 28 and 29. The Marlins entered Saturday on a 12-game road losing streak. "according to https://www.mlb.com/marlins/news/marlins-17-hits-back-jose-urena-complete-game/c-291032348

"I wouldn't have thought [we would win] coming in," Marlins manager Don Mattingly said. "You believe in your club, but we were on the downstroke for sure, and these guys have not treated us very nicely here." "according to https://www.mlb.com/marlins/news/marlins-17-hits-back-jose-urena-complete-game/c-291032348

"I wouldn't have thought [we would win] coming in," Marlins manager Don Mattingly said. "You believe in your club, but we were on the downstroke for sure, and these guys have not treated us very nicely here." "according to https://www.mlb.com/marlins/news/marlins-17-hits-back-jose-urena-complete-game/c-291032348

There have been plenty of struggles for the Marlins' young players this season, a factor in Miami performing like the National League's worst team since the All-Star break. But amid those setbacks have also come instances when those players have flashed their potential, making Mattingly and Marlins fans hopeful for the team's future. "according to https://www.mlb.com/marlins/news/marlins-17-hits-back-jose-urena-complete-game/c-291032348

There have been plenty of struggles for the Marlins' young players this season, a factor in Miami performing like the National League's worst team since the All-Star break. But amid those setbacks have also come instances when those players have flashed their potential, making Mattingly and Marlins fans hopeful for the team's future. "according to https://www.mlb.com/marlins/news/marlins-17-hits-back-jose-urena-complete-game/c-291032348

The Marlins' promise was on display Sunday. Miami racked up 17 hits with six players notching multi-hit games, led by Starlin Castro's career-high five hits. JT Riddle , who went 7-for-12 at the plate this series, and J.T. Realmuto each recorded three RBIs. Jose Urena said he pitched his best-ever game, allowing one run in a complete game and retiring the final 16 hitters. "according to https://www.mlb.com/marlins/news/marlins-17-hits-back-jose-urena-complete-game/c-291032348

Mattingly called out his team's lack of intensity after a loss Friday. The Marlins responded, scoring 19 runs in the final two games of this series.

"Jose was great for us and kind of kept us in a rhythm, too, at the plate," Riddle said. "We get some hits … and it's a three-up-three-down inning and we're back in there swinging again." according to https://www.mlb.com/marlins/news/marlins-17-hits-back-jose-urena-complete-game/c-291032348

Urena, who was able to pitch while appealing his six-game suspension for hitting Atlanta's Ronald Acuna Jr.  on Wednesday, didn't give the Nationals a chance. The right-hander, who threw 108 pitches Sunday, hadn't pitched more than six innings since June 15. He struck out four against two walks in going the distance for the first time in his career. "according to https://www.mlb.com/marlins/news/marlins-17-hits-back-jose-urena-complete-game/c-291032348

Edinson Volsquez was the last Marlins pitcher to throw a complete game, which he accomplished with a no-hitter last June. Ricky Nolasco was the last Miami pitcher to throw a complete game on the road on Sept. 9, 2012. "according to https://www.mlb.com/marlins/news/marlins-17-hits-back-jose-urena-complete-game/c-291032348

"That shows a lot of his character, the type of person that he is," Bryan Holady said. "This past week, he's been probably the most hated player in baseball. To put that behind you is not easy to do." "according to https://www.mlb.com/marlins/news/marlins-17-hits-back-jose-urena-complete-game/c-291032348

Castro put the Marlins on the board in the third inning with an RBI single before Austin Dean knocked a two-run double with his second career hit. "according to https://www.mlb.com/marlins/news/marlins-17-hits-back-jose-urena-complete-game/c-291032348

The Nationals added a run in the bottom of the third inning, but the Marlins took control in the fifth. Riddle, Rafael Ortega and Realmuto recorded RBIs in a five-run inning. "according to https://www.mlb.com/marlins/news/marlins-17-hits-back-jose-urena-complete-game/c-291032348

Giao Gonzalez, who entered Sunday with a 1.89 career ERA against the Marlins, became the second pitcher this season to permit eight or more earned runs to the Marlins. The left-hander exited after allowing eight runs over 4 2/3 innings. "according to https://www.mlb.com/marlins/news/marlins-17-hits-back-jose-urena-complete-game/c-291032348

Tommy Milone, pitching in relief, also couldn't contain Miami's offense, allowing homers to Riddle, Realmuto and Issac Galloway  over the final four innings. "according to https://www.mlb.com/marlins/news/marlins-17-hits-back-jose-urena-complete-game/c-291032348

Any series win is a good win," Holaday said. "You got to forget about the last game and go get the next one." "according to https://www.mlb.com/marlins/news/marlins-17-hits-back-jose-urena-complete-game/c-291032348

MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
After driving in a run in the third inning, Adam Eaton tried to extend his double to a triple. Right fielder Ortega threw the ball in to Realmuto at first, who threw a dart to third baseman Brian Anderson  to tag Eaton out. That emptied the bases for the Nationals with two outs. "according to https://www.mlb.com/marlins/news/marlins-17-hits-back-jose-urena-complete-game/c-291032348

"That kind of sparked some momentum," Holaday said. "according to https://www.mlb.com/marlins/news/marlins-17-hits-back-jose-urena-complete-game/c-291032348

SOUND SMART
The Marlins' 10 extra-base hits Sunday marked the 11th time in franchise history Miami recorded double-digit extra-base hits in a game. "according to https://www.mlb.com/marlins/news/marlins-17-hits-back-jose-urena-complete-game/c-291032348

First pitch is set for 7:10pm from Marlines Park. The game will be televised on Yes. "according to https://www.mlb.com/yankees/schedule/2018-08