Sandy Alcantara (forearm flexor strain) placed on 15-day IL

Near the conclusion of Sandy Alcantara's start against the Washington Nationals on Sunday, the 2022 NL Cy Young award winner felt discomfort in his throwing arm. It could prove to be the conclusion of his 2023 season. As first reported by Craig Mish of SportsGrid, Alcantara suffered a right forearm flexor strain. The Marlins placed him on the 15-day injured list prior to Wednesday's game.

"Personally, I feel good, but at the same time, I feel sad," said Alcantara just a couple minutes after the news was announced. "I [have to] be shut down for a couple of days. I don't like to stop working, especially working out there with my teammates, but I feel bad about it."

Alcantara has posted a 4.14 ERA and 4.03 FIP through 184.2 innings pitched. Although he didn't look like his 2022 self, he was still providing a lot of length (including three complete games), which is something the Marlins really valued with a bullpen that has been burnt out this season.

There isn't a clear timeline for Alcantara's return yet. He will be undergoing further tests to determine the severity of the injury. In his absence, the Marlins will need to get "creative" with their rotation plans, said manager Skip Schumaker. He name-dropped Bryan Hoeing and newly recalled Edward Cabrera as part of that group effort.

Reliever JT Chargois is serving as an opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday, and Schumaker did mention that there will be another opener used soon.

Alcantara's IL stint is retroactive to September 4. That means even in a best-case scenario, he will miss at least 13 of Miami's 24 remaining regular season games, including series against the Philadelphia Phillies, Milwaukee Brewers and Atlanta Braves. The first day he is eligible to be reinstated is September 19 against the New York Mets.

Photo courtesy of Jeremy Taché/Bally Sports Florida