With new slider grip, Sandy Alcantara extends spring training scoreless streak

Jupiter, Fla.—Miami Marlins ace right-handed pitcher Sandy Alcantara made his third start of spring training on Wednesday versus the Washington Nationals. The 2022 NL Cy Young Award winner continues to pitch very well in his comeback from Tommy John surgery.

Alcantara pitched 2 ⅔ innings, allowing no hits, no runs, two walks, and one strikeout. The two-time All-Star reached his limit of 45 pitches and threw 62.2% strikes with six whiffs. Alcantara’s fastball sat at 98 mph and topped out at 100 mph. He threw his four-seamer/sinker combo 69% of the time.

“I was working a little bit on my fastball command,” Sandy said after his outing. “I think the command was good today, but I still walked two guys, so I got to keep working in the bullpens and try to be more perfect.”

He also mixed in a few sliders and changeups, including a well-located slider to record his only strikeout in the afternoon. “My pitching coach and I have been working on having a better slider,” said Alcantara. “My slider has been good, but we’re looking for more break, so we changed the grip a little bit and it’s giving the result I’m looking for."

Right-hander Valente Bellozo had a rough outing in relief for Alcantara. The 25-year-old pitcher threw 2 ⅔ innings, allowing six hits, four runs, one walk, and three strikeouts. He also allowed three solo home runs to James Wood, Luis Garcia Jr., and Andrew Pinckney.

Right-handed relief pitcher Brett de Geus had a poor showing in his first appearance this spring. Recently claimed off waivers, the 27-year-old pitcher threw one inning, allowing four hits, four runs, one run, and one strikeout.

The Marlins offense had a nice day at the plate, scoring seven runs on eleven hits. Third baseman Connor Norby had his best game this spring as he went 2-for-3 with two RBI singles. Griffin Conine went 2-for-2 with two base knocks and a walk. Both of Conine’s hits were off left-handed pitchers.

Nick Fortes suffered a “groin contusion” on a foul tip in the top of the first inning. He would stay in the game to finish the inning, but then was replaced by pinch-hitter Rob Brantly.

In the third inning, the veteran backstop blasted a three-run home run down the right field line. It was Brantly's first home run in a Marlins uniform since 2013.

What’s next?

The Marlins will be on the road for their next spring training game versus the Atlanta Braves. Left-handed pitcher Ryan Weathers will get the start for the Fish. Weathers looked good in his first outing this spring. He pitched two innings allowing no hits, no runs, one walk, and four strikeouts. The first pitch for Thursday’s game is at 6:05 pm EST.