Sandy Alcántara shines like in his Cy Young days in possible last start in Miami

United States.- In an afternoon filled with symbolism and emotion at loanDepot park, Sandy Alcántara offered a performance worthy of his lineage as a Cy Young winner, and perhaps, a farewell. In what may have been his last start as a member of the Miami Marlins at home, the Dominican right-hander guided his team to a 3-2 victory over the San Diego Padres, in a duel that recalled his best version. Climbing the mound to the rhythm of “Nunca Creyeron” by Wilmer Roberts, Alcántara looked like the ace that Miami knew before his Tommy John surgery, outperforming the also sought-after Dylan Cease. He worked seven solid innings, allowing two runs (one earned), with command in the control of his pitches and a notable ability to induce weak contact: nine outs via the ground ball, including two double plays that got him out of trouble. “There are many people who don’t believe in me, but I do believe,” Alcántara said after the game. “I just have to trust in God’s process and fight for my team. It doesn’t matter what they say.” The key moment of the game came in the fifth inning, when Jesús Sánchez, also Dominican, hit a two-run home run to right field to break the tie. It was the definitive difference in the score. Although rumors of a possible trade surround him before the July 31st Deadline, Alcántara showed focus and gratitude for his time with the organization. “I just feel great being here. If something happens, it happens. I just have to compete and work.” The Marlins manager, Clayton McCullough, did not skimp on praise: “What Sandy has done today was fantastic. He responded with a great opening when we needed it most, and we are very happy for him”. Despite his difficult return this year —with an effectiveness of 7.14 upon arriving at the game—, Alcántara showed that he can still be a valuable piece for any team looking for rotation depth. At 29 years old (turning 30 in September), he still has contractual control until 2026 with a club option for 2027, which makes him one of the most attractive arms in the trade market. With his historical numbers in Miami, where he ranks second in complete games (7), third in shutouts (4), and sixth in ERA (3.20, minimum 25 starts), Sandy Alcántara leaves a deep mark, no matter what the future holds. “If they want to remember me as a ‘horse,’ I accept it,” he said with a smile. “I feel very good about the opportunity I had here.” Alcántara is scheduled to open next Tuesday in St. Louis, against the franchise that signed him as a teenager in the Dominican Republic and traded him to Miami in 2017.