The Miami Marlins' World Series came at the MLB trade deadline, as the last-place ballclub completed several trades in the last week that replenished their farm system and brightened their long-term future. Though, there are still a couple of reasons for fans to focus on the present, namely the injury status of top starting pitcher Sandy Alcantara.
The 2022 National League Cy Young, who has been sidelined since last September, continues to work his way back from Tommy John surgery. He is expected to throw his third bullpen session during the Marlins' four-game road series versus the Atlanta Braves (Aug. 1-4), per MLB.com.
Fish fans should not plan on seeing Alcantara until the 2025 season, but this is encouraging news for a franchise constantly marred by pitching injuries. In addition to the 28-year-old righty, Miami is presently without multiple key hurlers like Jesus Luzardo, Eury Perez, Braxton Garrett and Ryan Weathers.
While it is definitely exciting to see 19-year-old Noble Meyer and incoming left-hander Robby Snelling (acquired in the Tanner Scott trade with San Diego Padres), the Marlins must figure out how to keep their starting pitchers on the mound. Otherwise, all of this optimism will be hollow and result in unfulfilled potential.
Marlins have a steep, steep hill to climb
Small-market franchises who have seldomly enjoyed prosperity in the last two decades cannot afford to also incur bad luck. Preserving premium talents like Sandy Alcantara is the only way Miami is going to have a decent shot at sustained success, even if president of baseball operations Peter Bendix does have an effective long-term plan in mind.
Fans vividly remember the 2.28 ERA, 207 strikeouts and six complete games Alcantara recorded in 228.2 innings pitched in 2022. They also recall his 2023 struggles, which included a 4.14 ERA and .251 batting average against before he suffered a UCL sprain.
Hopefully, when the two-time All-Star does return, he will be reliable and dominant once again. In the meanwhile, the 40-69 Marlins will do their best to give their ever-patient supporters a dose of promise. Because last year feels like a lifetime ago following this mass roster overhaul.
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