Trevor Rogers ready for Game 4 vs. Braves

Carlsbad Current-Argus

Miami Marlins starting pitcher Trevor Rogers throws against the Atlanta Braves on Sept. 21, 2020 at Truist Park in Atlanta, GA. Rogers is scheduled to face Atlanta again on Friday in Game 4 of the National League Division Series.

(Editors note: This article was written before the Marlins/Braves series began on Oct. 6)

After a 2-0 sweep against the Chicago Cubs in the National League Wild Card division the Miami Marlins are still perfect in franchise postseason series history. Now in the National League Division Series (NLDS) Miami looks to continue its magic season with another series upset, this time against the Atlanta Braves.

A new round of MLB playoffs mean new rules. This year's NLDS is a best-of-five series and will be played at a neutral site. For Miami and Atlanta, this means Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas.

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Carlsbad native Trevor Rogers is scheduled to start Game 4 against Atlanta on Friday but needs both teams to win at least one since this is a best-of-five series.

"I had to get back into my starter routine and getting ready for if there is a Game 4," Rogers said.

Rogers was kept in the bullpen for the Chicago series but never needed to pitch. In that series he had to throw every day to keep his arm loose but make sure he didn't overtax his arm in case he was needed.

Miami Marlins starting pitcher Trevor Rogers pitches against the Boston Red Sox at Marlins Park on Sept. 16, 2020.

Minute Maid Park is a much smaller ballpark than Marlins Park in Miami and is prone to more home runs hit. The dimensions of Minute Maid are similar to Truist Park where the Braves play.

Rogers believes this favors his team even though the Marlins aren't known for hitting a lot of home runs (60) while Atlanta (103) trailed only the Los Angeles Dodgers in homers in the regular season.

"The ball has definitely been flying for us in our first two days of BP (batting practice)," Rogers said. "We still have to execute when pitching and there are a few certain areas of the ballpark that play more to the batters. It's still a hitter's ballpark."

The Marlins got in to Houston Oct. 3 and are confined in a resort about 30 miles from the ballpark. When Miami isn't at the ballpark the team is back at the resort. Each player has his own room unless he is joined by a family member. Meals are delivered via room service but Rogers said there is a commissary that has food available at designated times.

Rogers and the rest of the Marlins have to undergo daily COVID-19 tests, wear masks and have to wear an identification badge on their person at all times. In Rogers' words, "Same old, same old."

Game 4 is scheduled for Friday at 12:08 p.m. and can be seen on Fox Sports 1 (FS1).

Matthew Asher can be reached at 575-628-5524, masher@currentargus.com or @Caveman_Masher on Twitter. Support award-winning local journalism. Subscribe to the Current-Argus today.