Sandy takes huge step in recovery, reaches 99 mph in live BP

MIAMI—Nearly 12 months removed from undergoing Tommy John surgery, Sandy Alcantara threw 20 pitches in a one-inning live batting practice session in Miami before Tuesday's series opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers. 

"I was getting tired of only throwing in the bullpen, so I think today was a big step for me. One inning, 20 pitches and everything feels good," said Alcantara following the session. 

Per manager Skip Schumaker, the freshly-turned 29-year-old sat in the upper 90s with his fastball, maxing out at 99 mph. Alcantara used all his pitches except for his curveball. "For his first time out in over a year, it was really impressive. All the hard work that he's put into this thing, the training staff, the pitching coaches, it was a really big day."

The moment wasn't lost on Sandy's teammates, either, as most of the active roster and coaching staff were on the dugout top step, watching as their ace took a massive step toward returning. "To see 30 guys in the dugout watching, and a lot of guys that haven't been here for a long time and don't quite know Sandy, were all out here out of respect for who he is. Just a really cool moment," said Schumaker. 

"It was great," added Alcantara. "I couldn't pay too much attention because when I take the mound, I focus too much and can't see anyone over there, but it was great for them to be out there supporting me."

Alcantara faced David Hensley, Jose Devers and Javier Sanoja. Each batter took two ABs against the two-time All-Star with none of them connecting on solid contact. 

When asked what his biggest focus was today, Alcantara emphasized health. "Just seeing how I felt, especially when I threw my fastball and all my pitches. Everything felt good so now I'm just waiting to take another step."

That next step will presumably be a few more live batting practice sessions in Miami. With the minor league season coming to an end this week, it does not appear that the right-hander will make a rehab start in 2024. This off-season will be a "regular" one for the former Cy Young Award winner. 

Regarding 2025, Alcantara told reporters that an Opening Day return is realistic. "Yeah, that's the target for us. Just have to be working, get ready for spring and compete for a spot."

Alcantara is the only Cy Young Award winner in Marlins franchise history and to say the team is desperate for his return would be a massive understatement. The 2024 Marlins leader in innings pitched is Trevor Rogers with 105 ⅓. He has since been traded to Baltimore. Overall, 19 different pitchers have made at least one start, setting a franchise single-season record. From 2019-2023 (not counting the shortened 2020 season), Alcantara averaged 204 innings pitched per season. He was the epitome of a workhorse, something of a rarity in today's sport. 

Should the stars align and Alcantara is in fact tabbed as Miami's Opening Day starter against the Pittsburgh Pirates, he will most likely oppose star right-hander Paul Skenes on March 27, 2025.