Sandy Alcantara provides two-month update on Tommy John rehab

Just call him "Sandy Claus." On Monday, 2022 NL Cy Young Award winner Sandy Alcantara was at loanDepot park as the Marlins held their annual holiday season Toy Distribution. Dressed in a Santa costume alongside Billy the Marlin, Alcantara gave kids presents and spoke with the media about the status of his Tommy John surgery rehab.

Alcantara suffered his right elbow injury on September 3. He attempted to return to the Marlins rotation later that month, but had a setback and underwent surgery on October 6.

"I feel good," said Alcantara.

"At the beginning, it was slow, but we are increasing the intensity in the gym," he added in Spanish. "I am coming (to loanDepot park) every day giving 100% effort to get better and try to recover as quickly as possible."

Alcantara explained that he still works out daily for about two to three hours, just like he did during the regular season, but not the exact same workouts given the current injury.

By spring training, Alcantara said he expects to be 100% and going through his normal routine. He isn't sure if he will be throwing by then. Typically, Tommy John survivors are cleared to throw about six months after the procedure, which would mean early April in Alcantara's case.

Although the expectation is that Alcantara will be out for the entirety of the 2024 season, he did mention that maybe he could be able to make his return sooner if everything continues to go well.

"Hopefully, I can get back this year," said Alcantara.

So far this offseason, the only pitchers added to the Marlins 40-man roster have been relievers. Alcantara hopes that they can bring someone in to make up for lost innings that they won't get from him in 2024.

Marlins pitchers and catchers are expected to report to Jupiter in the second week of February, so most of the team's questions will be answered by then.