The Miami Marlins have gotten off to a much better-than-anticipated start. The Fish holds a 10-9 record on the season and are 7-3 in their last ten games. Unfortunately, they were dealt a bit of a blow on Saturday. One of the National League’s best rotations will be without the reigning Cy Young award winner for the foreseeable future.
Craig Mish of the Miami Herald reported that Sandy Alcantara wouldn’t pitch for the Marlins this weekend in Cleveland. The Marlins were rained out on Friday night against the Guardians and have since scratched Alcnatara from making his scheduled start, which would’ve been Game 1 of Saturday’s doubleheader. Instead, left-hander Devin Smeltzer will fill in for Alcantara, who, according to Mish, is dealing with biceps tendinitis.
Marlins Pitcher Sandy Alcantara won’t pitch in Cleveland this weekend. Team is calling it biceps tendinitis. I don’t believe it to be serious at all based on my inquiries. Will start in Atlanta.
— Craig Mish (@CraigMish) April 22, 2023
Based on Mish’s inquiries, he doesn’t believe the injury to be severe and that Alcantara will start for the Marlins in Atlanta next week. Still, an arm injury, flare-up or not, to one of the game’s best young pitchers is concerning news.
Regardless of the timing of what’s been described as a “mild injury,” Alcantara’s 2023 season stats have been relatively concerning thus far. After two quality starts, including a four-hit shutout, Alcantara has combined to give 14 runs (11 earned) on 16 hits. In those ten innings pitched, he’s struck 13 batters while walking only one. So, his command doesn’t seem to be an issue, but he’s been hit around a bit in his last two starts and currently holds a 5.47 ERA through 24.2 innings pitched.
The MLB world reacted to the concerning Marlins news on social media:
— Peter Pratt 🍷 (@MiamiMarlins_UK) April 22, 2023
Biceps Tendonitis, like Sandy Alcantara is experiencing, is at least a Shoulder injury.
And, depending on the location, can be more of an Elbow injury.
This is just the beginning of Sandy Alcantara's problems.
Marlins should sell high. https://t.co/yuYyIeYGsF
— Chris O'Leary | Baseball + Critical Thinking (@thepainguy) April 22, 2023
Bad news but at least it’s not serious. https://t.co/iKCV86o75c
— Marlin Maniac (@MarlinManiac) April 22, 2023
Oh wow, Guards catch a HUGE break!
Even tho sandy has been struggling, he’s one of the best in the game, and I hope he’s back healthy and dominating soon! https://t.co/DgV8xMDuLS
— Mel (@mellow_nie91) April 22, 2023
I’m not trying to be an alarmist….but this is NO BUENO!!!!! https://t.co/0cXoJbhhFT
— Peace Bro Lounge (@peace_lounge) April 22, 2023
