Alcantara's Milestone: Sandy Alcantara recorded his first win since September 3, 2023, marking a significant step in his return from Tommy John surgery.
Alcantara's Performance: He pitched 5 innings, allowing 2 runs on 3 hits (including a homer to Brandon Nimmo and an RBI single to Francisco Lindor) while striking out 4.
Velocity Dip: Alcantara's average fastball velocity (96.2 mph) was noticeably lower than his Opening Day start (98.2 mph) and Spring Training highs.
Early Exit: Despite a low pitch count (70 pitches), Alcantara was removed after 5 innings, a move manager Clayton McCullough made based on game feel and trusting the bullpen.
Conine's Struggles: Griffin Conine went 0-for-3, continuing his difficult start to the season. He holds a .200 batting average and a .254 wOBA through six games, with no extra-base hits or stolen bases.
Why this matters: Alcantara's successful recovery and ability to pitch effectively, even with fluctuating velocity, is crucial for the Marlins' rotation. Conine's offensive production needs to improve significantly for him to maintain fantasy relevance and potentially his spot in the lineup.
Making his second start since returning from Tommy John surgery, Sandy Alcantara battled through five innings to secure the win. While his velocity wasn't at its peak, maxing out at 98.3 mph compared to nearly 100 mph previously, he adapted his pitch mix. Alcantara relied more heavily on his changeup (31.4%) and breaking pitches (28.5%) than his four-seamer (17.1%) and sinker (22.9%). Despite allowing runs in the second and third innings, he retired the final eight batters he faced.
Manager Clayton McCullough's decision to pull Alcantara after just 70 pitches, his lowest count in a start since May 2021 (excluding injury exits), surprised some, including Alcantara himself. However, McCullough cited watching Alcantara "empty the tank" and felt turning the game over to the bullpen was the best path to victory. The move paid off, as four Marlins relievers combined for four scoreless innings to close out the 4-2 win. Alcantara noted feeling well physically and mentally but acknowledged needing more recovery time between starts.
On the offensive side, Griffin Conine's struggles continued. His 0-for-3 night dropped his season batting average to .200. With limited power and speed displayed so far, his value, particularly in fantasy baseball, remains low. Continued lack of production could put pressure on his playing time.
Q: When was Sandy Alcantara's last win before this?
A: His last win was on September 3, 2023, against the Washington Nationals, his final start before undergoing Tommy John surgery.
Q: How did Griffin Conine perform in the game?
A: Griffin Conine went 0-for-3 at the plate, scoring one run but also striking out once, continuing his early-season offensive struggles.
Q: Why was Alcantara removed after only 5 innings and 70 pitches?
A: Manager Clayton McCullough felt Alcantara had given his maximum effort for the night, observed a dip in velocity compared to his first start, and had confidence in the bullpen to secure the 4-2 lead.
Alcantara's return is a positive development, but his velocity and endurance building back up will be key indicators to monitor.
The Marlins' bullpen demonstrated its effectiveness in closing out a tight game.
Griffin Conine needs to show significant improvement at the plate quickly to solidify his role and fantasy value.
It's encouraging to see Alcantara back on the mound and contributing wins, even if not in his typical workhorse fashion yet. Conine's bat, however, remains a question mark.
*Do you think Alcantara will regain his Cy Young form this season? Will Conine turn his offensive performance around? Let us know your thoughts!*
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