Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara announced on social media that he underwent Tommy John surgery on Friday. He is now expected to miss the entire 2024 season. The news comes on the heels of the Marlins’ elimination in the Wild Card round. It was their first playoff appearance since 2020, and their first in a full season since 2003.
— Sandy Alcantara (@sandyalcantar22) October 6, 2023
Sandy Alcantara Undergoes Tommy John Surgery
The surgery was performed on Friday afternoon by Dr. Keith Meister. Alcantara had stayed active for the bulk of the season (until September), making 28 starts. However, he struggled through many of his starts, especially early in the season. Ultimately, he compiled a 7-12 record with a 4.14 ERA and 151 strikeouts in 184 2/3 innings pitched. Although these numbers are not terrible, they are a far cry from Alcantara’s dominant 2022 campaign. That year, he easily won the NL Cy Young Award, compiling a 7.8 WAR in a season that included a league-leading six complete games. He also had far more strikeouts that season, with a career-high 207.
Alcantara hit the IL in early September and was unable to return. He did not appear in the Wild Card Series, in which the Marlins were swept in two games by the Philadelphia Phillies. The team could have used Alcantara at his best against Philadelphia, as their pitching staff was under siege for the entirety of the series. Although the Miami lineup struggled as well, falling into early holes did them no favors.
A Silver Lining for the Marlins
While this setback adds insult to injury for the Marlins, they still have a lot to be proud of this season. They surprised the baseball world by staying competitive in an NL East led by two excellent teams. Under first-year manager Skip Schumaker, they went 84-78, their best record in a full season since 2009, when they went 87-75. This was just enough to earn the second NL Wild Card spot.
They ran into a tough matchup, but things are looking up for the franchise in the long run. Staying afloat without Alcantara next year will admittedly be tough. However, by the time he returns, the rest of their core, should they stay together, will be even more experienced. This bodes well for their future chances in a tough NL East.
Photo Credit: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports
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