Marlins ace appears perturbed about his removal in loss to the Reds

Miami Marlins right-hander Sandy Alcantara was cruising before getting lifted in the ninth inning Tuesday with 95 pitches. The former Cy Young Award winner (2022) walked Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz to put runners on second base and first base with one out. 

The Marlins had a 2-0 lead, and the double play was in order. 

Marlins Manager Clayton McCullough immediately popped out of the Marlins dugout and would pull Alcantara from the game. Alcantara was not happy about getting pulled, but respected McCoullough’s decision. 

“I feel like I deserve to be asked how I feel before getting taken out of the game, at 95 pitches and a righty on deck, but I respect the decision,” Alcantara said Marlins beat writer Isaac Azout

The two-time All-Star was attempting to finish his second complete game and shutout of the season. Alcantara would finish with a line of 8.1 innings pitched, allowed three hits, two earned runs — due to Anthony Bender’s wild pitch scoring De La Cruz — two walks, and six strikeouts. 

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Sandy Alcantara has been great out of the gate for the Marlins 

Now two years removed from having Tommy John surgery (2024), Alcantara appears to have returned to his Cy Young form. In three starts, he’s 2-0 with a 0.74 ERA and has struck 18 in 24.1 innings. 

Alcantara will be one of the best starting pitchers available at the trade deadline and continues to increase his value with every start. To add to his value, Alcantara is under contract for next season (club options for $21 million). 

However, a potential work stoppage could threaten the 2027 season, possibly making Alcantara a “free agent” after this season. The Marlins are rebuilding, and Alcantara is ascending back to being one of the best pitchers in baseball, so trading him soon, while his value is high, is in their best interest.