(CBSMiami)- The first three weeks of the MLB season have been a roller coaster for manager Don Mattingly and the Miami Marlins. A season-opening series win over the Phillies was followed by a COVID-19 outbreak among players and staff, leading to a week of not playing games. Since their return to play, they have gone 5-3 while playing every game on the road. Their record stands at 8-4 now, good enough for first place in the N.L. East.
That start has, not surprisingly, vastly improved the team’s playoff odds. Heading into the year, SportsLine had the Marlins with a 7.