{alt="Sandy Alcantara pitching for the Miami Marlins against the Dodgers"}

Introduction

Sandy Alcantara, the ace of the Miami Marlins and 2022 National League Cy Young winner, has long been recognized for his durability, electric fastball, and competitive spirit. However, after a standout season, 2024 and 2025 have presented notable obstacles for Alcantara as he battles to return to his peak form following injury and inconsistency. In this article, we’ll explore the causes of his recent struggles, examine expert analysis, and consider what’s next for one of the game’s top pitchers.

Analyzing Sandy Alcantara’s Recent Struggles

Alcantara’s early 2025 season has been marked by uncharacteristic difficulties. He recently allowed five runs over five innings in a loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, part of a four-start losing streak that raised his ERA over 8.4. These back-to-back tough outings against one of baseball’s top lineups have underscored the challenges he’s facing on the mound. For a full breakdown of his most recent loss and adjustments he’s trying to make, check out MLB.com’s in-depth recap.

Much of Alcantara’s struggles can be attributed to changes in his command and the quality of contact allowed. While his velocity remains strong, control has slipped. His walk rate has increased significantly, and opponents are making harder contact than in previous seasons. According to FanGraphs’ analysis, Alcantara’s once-elite chase and command metrics have regressed, resulting in more pitches over the heart of the plate and a decrease in hitters swinging at pitches outside the zone. The transition back from injury, notably Tommy John surgery, likely plays a role in these changes.

The Impact of Injury and Pitch Mix Adjustments

After a strong 2022 and solid 2023, Alcantara’s torn UCL sidelined him during a rare Marlins postseason run. Now back from surgery, he’s working to regain both his sharp mechanics and fine-tuned pitch mix. His arsenal continues to feature a high-velocity fastball, effective changeup, and slider. Recently, he has introduced a curveball more frequently. Though his fastball and sinker velocity is nearly at pre-injury levels, minor changes in movement and command have affected his results.

Interestingly, the curveball and changeup are among the few pitches not getting hit hard this season. However, overall, Alcantara’s ERA estimators still signal trouble. For more on his pitch selection evolution and how these changes affect performance, you can refer to the detailed stats at FanGraphs.

Looking Forward: Can Alcantara Bounce Back?

Despite these struggles, there is hope for a turnaround. Command often takes time to return fully after significant layoffs. The Marlins aren’t contending in 2025, giving Alcantara time and space to regain his form without added pressure. Upcoming matchups, such as his next outing against the Chicago White Sox, could provide a much-needed reset.

RotoWire’s recent news update offers further insights into his latest starts and potential for improvement, emphasizing that even stars like Alcantara face periods of struggle.

Conclusion

Sandy Alcantara remains one of the most compelling pitchers in Major League Baseball. As he continues his journey back from injury and adapts his pitching arsenal, Marlins fans and MLB observers will watch closely for signs of a rebound. While 2025 has started with challenges, Alcantara’s proven talent and resilience make a comeback well within reach. For the latest developments on Sandy Alcantara, keep following authoritative baseball outlets and stay tuned for updates throughout the season.