SandyAlcantara

News: 3 days agoAlcantara allowed one hit and struck out one in a scoreless inning during Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Mets.

Spin: The right-hander touched 99 mph and threw 13 of 17 pitches for strikes in his first game action since undergoing Tommy John surgery in October of 2023. Alcantara has already been announced as Miami's Opening Day starter for the March 27 game against the Pirates. Craig Mish of the Miami Herald doesn't expect the 29-year-old to have any pitching restrictions this season despite it being his first year back from the procedure.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Alcantara, the Cy Young Award winner in the National League in 2022, missed all of last season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in October of 2023. He advanced from regular side sessions to throwing live batting practice last September and will be nearly 18 months removed from the procedure by the time Opening Day rolls around. The Marlins have not publicly disclosed an innings target for Alcantara in 2025, but somewhere around 150 frames likes a good starting point, with room for more if his arm holds up. The injury concerns are not going away anytime soon with a pitcher that throws so hard, but if he proves healthy after the long layoff, Alcantara could prove to be a bargain for fantasy managers at his average draft position. Expect the acquisition cost to rise considerably if Alcantara is pumping gas and looking healthy in spring training.