Sandy Alcantara Speaks Out After Tough Loss to Phillies
Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara, returning this season from a 16-month recovery following Tommy John surgery, faced a tough outing against the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday. In just his fourth start of the season, Alcantara lasted only two innings, giving up six earned runs on four hits, along with two walks and a single strikeout. His ERA has now risen to 7.27.
Following the game, Alcantara acknowledged his recent struggles, stating, “I’m not happy with how I’ve pitched in my last couple of starts. It’s time for me to get back to being myself and pitch the way I know I can every five days.”
After missing the 2024 season, Alcantara impressed during spring training, regularly reaching 99.3 mph on his fastball. His early starts in the regular season showed promise as well—he recorded a win and a no-decision while allowing four runs over 9.2 innings.
However, over his last two starts, Alcantara has surrendered 10 earned runs in just 7.2 innings. Despite solid velocity and strike-throwing in Friday’s game, he struggled to put hitters away and required 61 pitches to get through just two innings. It marked the second-shortest outing of his eight-year career.
Apr 18, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Miami Marlins pitcher Sandy Alcantara (22) takes the field before a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
As one of the league’s top arms, Alcantara is seen as a major trade target for pitching-needy teams. Whether or not the Marlins plan to move him remains uncertain. Given the team’s limited payroll and history of trading star players for prospects, Alcantara may not finish the season in Miami.
The Marlins have only made two playoff appearances in the last 21 seasons, with one Wild Card series win during that time.
