ESPN News Services2 min read
Miami Marlins outfielder Sandy Alcantara, the reigning NL Cy Young Award winner, is out for the 2024 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery on Friday to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, he announced on social media.
“I give this game everything I have, and I give this city everything I have. So I promise I will not take a day off as I strive to come back better than ever. I will miss pitching, but I plan to be around the team as a coach.” As much as possible,” Alcantara he wrote in an Instagram post. “I’m confident that guys like Jesus, Yuri, Edward, Garrett and Trevor will hold down the fort while I’m there to offer my support.
“Nothing could take away from my love for Miami and the Marlins fans.”
Alcantara began experiencing discomfort in his arm during a September 3 game against Washington in which he pitched eight innings. His injury was initially reported as a forearm strain, but was later diagnosed as a UCL sprain — an injury that typically requires Tommy John ligament replacement surgery. The timeline for his return was unknown as he had hoped to return to Miami for a late-season playoff appearance.
Alcantara suffered forearm tightness following a rehab outing with Triple-A Jacksonville on September 21, and the setback ended his season.
“It’s very frustrating for me, a guy who loves to compete,” Alcantara told reporters before a Milwaukee Brewers game last month. “I feel sorry for the fans, my family, my son and my friends because I won’t be there this year. Just try to be ready for next year, I don’t know. Stay positive.”
In 28 starts this season, the 28-year-old Alcantara has posted a 4.14 ERA and pitched three complete games. The right-hander went 7-12 in 184⅔ innings, with 151 strikeouts and 48 walks.
The Marlins made the postseason as the NL’s second Wild Card team and were swept by the Philadelphia Phillies in a three-game Wild Card series.
“I feel so sad for the great Marlins fans who have been so supportive of me and the team this year,” Alcantara said in his post. “The trip to the playoffs was exciting for all of us.”
Miami’s current rotation includes left-handers Jesus Luzardo, Braxton Garrett and Trevor Rogers, as well as 20-year-old right-hander Yuri Perez.
In 2022, Alcantara posted a 14-9 record and 2.28 ERA, while leading the majors in innings pitched (228⅔) and complete games (3) to become the Marlins’ first Cy Young Award winner.
Information from The Associated Press is included in this report.
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