Miami Marlins: Sandy Alcantara Continues to Flash Superstar Potential

Despite three notable Miami Marlins starters all flashing No. 1 starter potential so far this season, one has stood out above the rest.

While it may have already been known that Sandy Alcantara was the “ace” of the Miami Marlins pitching staff, he is reassuring that so far this season. That continued with his dominant showing on Wednesday afternoon in St. Louis.

Despite the Marlins 1-0 loss, the main talking point from the game was either one of two things. While the lack of run support from the Marlins offense has been a popular talking point among fans since, the outstanding performance of Alcantara should not go unnoticed.

Alcantara went the distance going 8.1 innings pitched allowing zero earned runs on six hits, one walk, and seven strikeouts. Throwing 108 pitches total, Alcantara threw 76 strikes (70.4%) living with his normal upper-90’s velocity.

These types of performances are starting to become normal for Alcantara, which in turn is giving the Marlins a bonafide No. 1 starter at the front-end of their rotation.

Miami Marlins starter Sandy Alcantara is becoming a superstar.

Coming into his start on Wednesday, Alcantara sported a 4-5 record with a 3.39 ERA through 14 starts. Also having a career-year in numerous different statistical categories including WHIP, strikeouts, and more, it’s clear that the 25-year old right-hander is on track to have the best year of his young career.

It is no secret that the Marlins display numerous top young arms within their system. Trevor Rogers is enjoying a NL Rookie of the Year caliber year while Sixto Sanchez and Edward Cabrera are considered as two of the top pitching prospects in baseball. Don’t forget about Pablo Lopez either, who might just be one of the most underrated pitchers in the game.

The talent and depth is extremely evident in the Marlins rotation. The lone thing that they are arguably lacking when fully healthy is a dominant No. 1 starter, or “ace” as you’d say. Is Sandy not becoming exactly that right in front of our eyes?

Alcantara continues to impress, and aside from one start earlier this season at Dodger Stadium, has been outstanding. If he maintains these impressive performances as well, Alcantara will only continue to stake his claim as one of the top young starters in baseball.