PHOENIX — Sandy Alcantara save headlines a rare relief turn for Miami’s ace, who recorded his first career MLB save Wednesday night to finish a 4-3 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks and keep the Marlins’ slim postseason hopes alive.
With Miami short on bullpen options and still clinging to the wild card race, Alcantara emerged from the pen for the first time in nine years and handled the ninth inning on just one day of rest. He had thrown 101 pitches in a no-decision Monday at Chase Field.
“If I’m here, I’m going to do everything I can to help the team win,” Alcantara said.
After working five innings in Miami’s 8-7 loss Monday, Alcantara told pitching coach Daniel Moskos he could be available Wednesday. Manager Clayton McCullough said Moskos relayed the message, and Alcantara headed to the bullpen around the sixth. “I told him he had the ninth,” McCullough said.
Miami had used eight pitchers in an 11-inning victory Tuesday, and with nine games left the Marlins (76-77) remain in the hunt. They trail San Diego by 7 1/2 games for the final National League wild card.
“It speaks to Sandy in a lot of ways,” McCullough said, noting a similar plan about 10 days earlier did not materialize. “It is a testament to him wanting to win and what it means to this group. You saw the excitement from the group.”
Sandy Alcantara save comes one day after 101-pitch outing
The right-hander, who leads the majors with 206 innings this season, induced two deep flyouts before walking Lars Nootbaar. Pinch-runner Jordan Lawlar tried to steal second and was thrown out by catcher Joe Mack to end the game.
Alcantara has made 201 big league starts, with his previous eight relief appearances coming as a rookie for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2017. The two-time All-Star and 2022 NL Cy Young Award winner is 13-10 with a 3.84 ERA in 32 starts and one relief outing this season.
McCullough said Alcantara remains lined up to start Sunday in San Diego. The pitcher added he is ready if called upon sooner. “This is my first one,” he said. “Hopefully they keep giving me the opportunity.”
Miami’s late-season push mirrors other dramatic finishes on the diamond, such as Athletics vs Blue Jays: McNeil’s infield hit wins it 6-5, as teams fight to stay alive in the playoff chase.
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