“Classic Sandy”. Alcántara showed his Cy Young form in his comeback

ATLANTA — In each of his interviews, Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara begins by thanking God for keeping him healthy. And although the results weren’t as favorable on Wednesday, the 6-4 loss to the Braves At Truist Park, that feeling was more real than ever on Wednesday.

After he was scheduled to start last Saturday in Cleveland, the Marlins delayed his start until Wednesday due to a mild sore right biceps muscle, marking the first time in his major league career that he missed a start due to injury. in his arm. He went on the disabled list with an infection in his right armpit in 2018, contracted COVID-19 in 2020, and appeared on the disabled list in 2021.

“I always thank God for everything, it doesn’t matter if it’s a good day, a bad day – you can be here every year,” Alcantara said. I’m here now. behind. I am happy”.

After 10 days of immobility, Alcántara showed his Cy Young form through five innings, needing only 67 pitches to complete without allowing any opposing runners to reach the scoring position. He topped out at 99.4 mph, while his averages of 97.9 mph with the fastball, 97.3 mph with the sinker and 91.4 mph with the changeup were on par with his usual speed averages for the year.

He throws 99 [mph] Where he wants to be,” said Braves manager Brian Snitker. “He’s one of the best players in the sport for sure. It was good to see him raise his number of promotions to be able to attack him on that tour, because it’s always a relief to see him when he’s out.”

Alcántara lost control in the sixth inning, edging teammate Ronald Acuña Jr. to lead the inning. Two batters later, Austin Riley doubled, before the Dominican walked with a pair, culminating in a leadoff leadoff.

Alcantara described his editorial: “more or less”. “I don’t like getting out of the game like that, giving up two tickets. It makes me feel bad. I wanted to finish the inning, but I got frustrated when I walked in twice. I don’t bother.” [con el manager Skip Schumaker] Because I know it was less than 90 pitches and it’s been sitting for nine or 10 days. I understand”.

Putting aside his exit from the Twins on April 4, NL Cy Young man has posted a 7.17 ERA in his other four starts, completing only six innings in one.

But Wednesday was a step in the right direction. Despite the Marlins’ fourth straight loss, Alcántara is feeling healthy and credits the medical staff for “feeling good” upon his return to the mound.

“I saw 97, 99 [mph] with good sinking. “I think the depth of his change was remarkable today,” Schumacher said. “His slider was fine today. Again, don’t worry about Sandy. I don’t think it’s anything. We were very careful with his biceps. Now, that’s in the past and you’re good to go. It felt like classic Sandy. Give me that version.” every day “.