Marlins manager gives major update on Sandy Alcantara’s injury after Tommy John surgery setback

After winning the NL Cy Young Award in 2022, Miami Marlins star Sandy Alcantara underwent Tommy John surgery on Oct. 6, 2023. Now, he's focused on making his return for the 2025 MLB season.

Alcantara also required surgery due to a sprained UCL that he first suffered in the 2023 season. Despite his attempts to handle the injury effectively, it ultimately forced him out after Sept. 3, 2023.

New manager Clayton McCullough shed light on Alcantara's situation during an appearance on MLB Network Radio on Tuesday.

"We had a chance to see him at an outing about a week ago and he looked great, he sounded great, felt like he was really right on track," said McCullough.

"Sandy's such a hard worker, and such a, you know, important part and leader of this pitching staff and this team. (He is) looking very positive for the start of the season."

McCullough's reign will be indispensable as the Marlins undertake their rebuilding after what can best be described as a tough 2024 season when the team struggled without its ace.

Miami struggled with injuries all season, as it set a Major League record by using 70 players in 2024, resulting in its fourth season with 100 or more losses.

As the Marlins get ready for the 2025 season, the team has shown it has no plans to trade Alcantara, demonstrating their confidence in his ability to recover from surgery.

Having Alcantara signed for the next two years at $17 million per year, with a club option for 2027, he continues to be a crucial part of their future.

The Marlins are counting on Sandy Alcantara to return and strengthen their pitching staff in 2025

Sandy Alcantara - Image via Getty

Along with young talents like Jesús Luzardo and Braxton Garrett, Alcantara's return could transform Miami's pitching lineup into a much more formidable force.

With Clayton McCullough at the helm and management's commitment to backing Alcantara as he recovers, there's hope that the player might reclaim his throne within the ranks of baseball's best pitchers.