Marlins RHP Sandy Alcantara throws first live batting practice since his Tommy John surgery

MIAMI (AP) - Miami Marlins right-hander Sandy Alcantara took the mound on Tuesday for his first live batting practice since the 2022 NL Cy Young Award winner had Tommy John surgery to repair a torn ligament in his elbow last October.

Alcantara threw about 20 pitches at 97 to 99 mph as he targets a return at the start of next season.

"I've been getting tired of just throwing bullpen," Alcantara said before the Marlins faced the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday night. “I think today was a big step for me to be out there. One inning. 20 pitches. Live BP. Everything feels good."

The Marlins ace said the focus was to see how he felt throwing his fastball, adding that it "felt good."

A handful of Alcantara’s teammates gathered in the dugout to watch him throw. Manager Skip Schumaker praised his progress, saying that Alcantara looked like he was in "opening day form."

"It was really impressive. All the hard work that he's put into this thing, the training staff, the pitching coaches. It was a really big day," Schumaker said.

The 29-year-old Alcantara has not pitched in the majors since he experienced discomfort during a start against Washington on Sept. 3, 2023. After a stint on the injured list, Alcantara made a minor league rehab start that was cut short when he again felt discomfort. He had surgery in October.

"It's been hard for me being out, sitting, watching,” Alcantara said. “A guy like me, who always likes to compete, it's hard for me. At the same time, it feels good because I've been traveling with the team and supporting them, and we've had fun together."

Alcantara finished 14-9 in 2022 with a career-best 2.28 ERA and threw a major league-best six complete games to become the Marlins' first Cy Young Award winner.

He said he doesn’t know when he’ll have another live batting practice but is focused on being ready for opening day on March 27 against Pittsburgh.

"I've just got to be working, get ready for spring, and compete for a spot," Alcantara said. “It's been a long time since I touched the mound. Today was the first day. We're going to have time for opening day."

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