Alcantara’s shaky outing, Steckenrider’s debut and more from Marlins’ spring loss to the Orioles
Some quick observations from the Miami Marlins’ spring training game against the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday, a 12-6 loss in Sarasota:
▪ Sandy Alcantara, the Marlins’ 2019 All-Star and Miami’s only pitcher to make all of his scheduled starts last season, didn’t make it through the second inning against the Orioles and once again had issues with command in his second Grapefruit League start. Alcantara walked four of the 13 batters he faced at Ed Smith Stadium, gave up another five hits and was responsible for the first five runs Baltimore scored. Alcantara did not strike out a batter. Through two spring training starts, Alcantara has given up seven earned runs and walked seven batters in 3 2/3 innings.
The good news: It’s early in spring training and he has another three and a half weeks to figure things out before the 2020 season begins.
But the Marlins need to hope he starts rounding into form sooner than later. He is expected to be at the top of their rotation in 2020, either as the Opening Day starter or as the No. 2 among their starters.
▪ Drew Steckenrider, shut down for the majority of last season after suffering a flexor strain in his right elbow, made his Grapefruit League debut in the fourth inning on Saturday. He recorded one quick out against Jose Iglesias before Pedro Severino belted a solo home run to left-center. He finished the inning by striking out Yusniel Diaz and getting Pat Valaika to hit a weak fly ball for the final out of the inning.
Steckenrider’s last game for the Marlins in 2019 was on May 6. He threw just 14 1/3 innings last season before the elbow injury but did not need surgery.
The Marlins envision Steckenrider to play a key part in their bullpen next season, ideally in high-leverage situations.
▪ Marlins prospects once again had big days at the plate. Jose Devers, starting at shortstop, had a pair of doubles for his first two hits of spring. The 20-year-old infielder, listed at 6-foot and 155 pounds, showed some pop with his second double, which flew over Orioles left fielder Cedric Mullins’ head in the fifth.
Outfielder Jesus Sanchez, who hit a towering home run on Friday, also went 2 for 3 at the plate with an RBI as the designated hitter. Fellow outfielder Monte Harrison reached base twice, first with a single and then with a walk.
▪ Garrett Cooper opened scoring for the Marlins with an RBI single to center field in the first inning.
▪ Infielder Christian Lopes, a non-roster invitee, has quietly had an impressive spring training so far. He hit a double and a home run on Saturday. Three of his five spring training hits have gone for extra bases.
▪ The Marlins return to Jupiter on Sunday to play the New York Mets. First pitch from Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium is set for 1:05 p.m.
.JPG)