Apr 26, 2023; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Sandy Alcantara (22) pitches against the Atlanta Braves during the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
MLB: Miami Marlins at Atlanta Braves
MIAMI — The Marlins are in jeopardy of losing their top pitcher.
Manager Skip Schumaker told reporters Wednesday that Sandy Alcantara’s MRI revealed a UCL sprain in his right elbow.
Schumaker was non-committal regarding Alcantara’s potential return this season, but mentioned reigning National League Cy Young Award winner was able to resume playing catch on Wednesday.
There’s optimism he’ll avoid surgery, which would be a worst-case scenario outcome here, and should be ready for spring training.
The 28-year-old righty landed on the injured list earlier this month with a right forearm flexor strain. There should be some clarity on his status in the next few weeks. Alcantara has compiled a 4.14 ERA though 28 starts.
The Marlins enter Wednesday with a 74-71 record on the season, trailing the Arizona Diamondbacks by 1.5 games for the third and final NL wild-card spot.