Ten days after making his Opening Night start, Marlins lefty Wei-Yin Chen is ready to make his second start. The veteran, who was struck on the left elbow by a comeback liner on April 5, gets the nod in the series opener against the Braves on Friday -- Jackie Robinson Day in the Majors -- at Marlins Park.
Atlanta, which is attempting to avoid its first 0-10 start since 1988, is turning to right-hander Williams Perez, who had his struggles in his first outing.
Jackie Robinson Day is Major League Baseball's annual tribute to the day the Hall of Famer broke the game's color barrier on April 15, 1947. Friday also happens to be Miami shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria's 27th birthday.
Fans who purchase the Jackie Robinson Night special event package will receive a game ticket and a commemorative Jackie Robinson-themed Marlins hat. The Marlins Foundation will award two gifts totaling $9,200 to the Jackie Robinson Foundation.
Chen received a scare in the opener against the Tigers when Anthony Gose's comebacker bruised his throwing arm. With off-days and a postponement Saturday at Washington, the Marlins had the luxury of pushing the lefty to Friday.
"At first, we talked about the possibility of me starting Monday," Chen said. "We had a couple of extra off-days. We have enough extra pitchers, so we decided on Friday. I think it's a good idea to give me a few extra days so I can be 100 percent when I go back out there."
Perez labored in Sunday's season debut, needing 83 pitches to complete 4 2/3 innings against the Cardinals. Perez has experienced some successful stretches since he first joined Atlanta's rotation in May. But the right-hander has allowed opponents to bat .286 and produce a .366 OBP over 21 career starts.
Things to know about this game
• The Braves swept the Marlins at Marlins Park to open last season, and they won 10 of the first 13 in the season series. But the Marlins responded by winning the final six meetings.
• With Atlanta's Hector Olivera going on the restricted list (alleged assault at team hotel on Wednesday), shortstop Daniel Castro has been recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett. With Olivera out, Jeff Francoeur, Kelly Johnson and Drew Stubbs could all see time in left field. Add Jace Peterson's name to the left-field candidates .
• The Braves joined the Twins on Thursday as the first teams to start 0-9 since the 2003 Tigers.
• Marlins left fielder Christian Yelich, who doubled in the first inning Wednesday against the Mets, has hit safely in all seven games.
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