Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara delivered one of his best performances since returning from elbow surgery, throwing seven masterful innings to lead Miami to a narrow 3–2 victory over the San Diego Padres at loanDepot Park on Wednesday, July 23. The outing marked a defining moment in his season, as he allowed only an unearned run, gave up four hits, and issued zero walks—helping reduce his ERA from a concerning 7.14 to a far more respectable 6.66.
The turning point came in the top of the fifth inning, when outfielder Jesus Sánchez blasted a 377-foot two-run homer—his ninth of the season—after San Diego third baseman Manny Machado committed his second consecutive throwing error. Sánchez’s clutch swing snapped a 1–1 tie and propelled Miami ahead for good, putting Alcántara in prime position to close out the game.
Alcantara’s dominance was on full display early. He retired the first ten batters he faced, mixing a sharp fastball with pinpoint command of his sinker-changeup combo. This marked a significant improvement over his recent outings, as he had looked shaky earlier this season while working his way back from Tommy John surgery. With this performance, he firmly demonstrated that he’s trending in the right direction.
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On the mound for San Diego, Dylan Cease struggled with control, walking his first two batters and allowing three runs (two earned) over five innings before taking the loss. The bullpen — including closer Calvin Faucher — held steady, with Faucher converting his ninth save of the season during a flawless ninth inning.
Miami’s offense produced timely contributions from Agustín Ramírez, whose two-out single in the first inning helped set the stage for the early lead. The defensive miscues by Manny Machado loomed large; after tying the game with an RBI single, his next error—an errant throw on Sánchez’s swing—opened the door for Miami’s decisive rally.
This win further cements a resurgent stretch for Miami, as they improved to 23–12 over their past 35 games, including two of three victories in this series against San Diego. The team has rediscovered momentum after a sluggish first half of the season, raising hopes that this hot streak could carry them into the competitive fringes of the National League East race.
For Alcántara, the outing couldn’t have come at a better time. After a tumultuous season that saw his ERA balloon, he has now strung together stronger performances, including this seven-inning gem and a stretch of solid starts in June. The seven-inning limit also showcases his regained stamina and effectiveness post-surgery—critical proof of his ongoing recovery and return to elite form.
However, the backdrop of Alcántara’s resurgence includes swirling trade rumors. Despite Miami’s recent struggles, his revived performance has reignited speculation that teams like the Padres, Dodgers, and others could pursue him ahead of the July 31 trade deadline. Currently under team control through 2026 with a 2027 club option, Alcántara remains a valuable asset. While Marlins officials have asserted they won’t sell low, his improved play may increase the odds of a late-season deal.
Head coach Skip Schumaker praised Alcántara’s outing. “Today he looked like the Sandy we saw back in 2022—confident, aggressive, and in control,” said Schumaker. “He attacked the zone, challenged hitters, and gave us an opportunity to win.”
On the Padres’ side, Machado acknowledged the impact of his error. “Obviously a tough night for me—two mistakes, and we paid for it,” Machado said post-game. “Credit to Alcántara, he executed and we couldn’t recover.”
As the Marlins prepare for upcoming games, Alcántara’s commanding performance is a potential turning point in their season—both for his personal health and the team’s collective push. If he continues to pitch at this level, the Marlins could surprise more than a few skeptics.
Miami will look to make it three straight wins to close out the series. Meanwhile, all eyes will be on Alcántara’s next start—if he can sustain this regained form, he’ll remain at the center of both Marlins’ resurgence and league-wide trade speculation.