Marlins ace joins growing list of pitchers to undergo Tommy John surgery in 2023
On Friday, Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara delivered devastating news, revealing he'd undergone Tommy John surgery and would miss the entire 2024 season.
While the news on Alcantara is a considerable blow, he's only the latest pitcher added to the troubling list of hurlers to need the procedure in 2023. Several former Cy Young Award winners, Texas Rangers' Jacob deGrom and Seattle Mariners' Robbie Ray, fell victim this year alone, joining fellow starters Shane McClanahan and Jeffrey Springs of the Tampa Bay Rays and Los Angeles Dodgers righty Tony Gonsolin.
Meanwhile, All-Star relievers weren't immune, with Felix Bautista of the Baltimore Orioles and Chicago White Sox's Liam Hendriks needing the surgery.
Tomorrow's stars have also felt the impact. In July, Philadelphia Phillies starter Andrew Painter, ranked the No. 2 pitching prospect in baseball by MLB Pipeline, went under the knife.
The news on Alcantara wasn't surprising. The Marlins placed the right-hander on the 15-day IL with a forearm flexor strain in early September, but the outlook wasn't promising from the start. Alcantara's agent, Adriel Reyes, called him a "unique player and person" who went to great lengths in an attempt to return before the end of the season.
"I think it's important for the entire Marlins fan base to know that Sandy was relentless in trying to get through this injury and return for the stretch run and postseason," Reyes said in a statement, via Craig Mish of the Miami Herald. "He tried everything, with the guidance of doctors and the Marlins medical staff."
Alcantara had a disappointing season following his Cy Young win in 2022. In 28 starts, Alcantara finished only 7-12 with a 4.14 ERA. Now, the Marlins will have to wait an entire year to see if he can round back into shape.
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