Sandy Alcantara has UCL sprain, putting 2023 return in doubt; Marlins shut out Brewers

MILWAUKEE — Miami Marlins right-hander Sandy Alcantara has a sprained ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow, manager Skip Schumaker said Wednesday, casting doubt on whether last year’s NL Cy Young Award winner can pitch again this season.

Schumaker did not say whether he thought Alcantara would return. Miami is fighting for a wild-card spot.

UCL injuries frequently require Tommy John ligament-replacement surgery.

Alcantara’s injury was initially reported as a forearm strain after his last start on Sept. 3, when he threw 94 pitches in eight innings in a win at Washington. He said he first experienced discomfort during that outing, and he went on the injured list three days later.

Alcantara played catch Wednesday before the Marlins’ game at Milwaukee, his first time throwing since the injury. He said he would be consulting with doctors but did not know what his next steps would be.

“I feel so happy because today I got the opportunity to play catch,” Alcantara said.

Alcantara is 7-12 with a 4.14 ERA in 28 starts. Last year, he was 14-9 with a 2.28 ERA. The two-time All-Star is 41-55 with a 3.32 ERA in seven years in the majors.

Garrett, bullpen blank host Brewers

Braxton Garrett pitched six innings of four-hit ball and the Miami Marlins beat the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers 2-0 on Wednesday night.

After dropping the first two games of the four-game series, Miami (75-71) moved within one-half game of Cincinnati and Arizona for the final NL wild-card spot.

Garrett (9-6) struck out seven and walked two. The Marlins turned two double plays behind the 26-year-old left-hander, who didn’t allow a runner past second base.

Three relievers completed a seven-hitter for Miami, with Tanner Scott working the ninth for his eighth save. Tyrone Taylor reached on a throwing error by third baseman Jake Burger leading off the ninth. Scott then retired Victor Caratini, Sal Frelick and Joey Wiemer.

Colin Rea (5-6) followed opener Trevor Megill and allowed one run in 4 2/3 innings for the Brewers, who were shut out for the 11th time this season.

In the fifth, Jesús Sánchez singled and was awarded second base when first baseman Carlos Santana stepped into his team’s dugout after catching a foul ball by Bryan De La Cruz. Sánchez scored on Xavier Edwards’ single.

Miami made it 2-0 in the seventh when De La Cruz doubled off Andrew Chafin and Garrett Sampson followed with a double against Bryse Wilson.

Milwaukee started the eighth with singles by William Contreras and Santana off Andrew Nardi. But Willy Adames hit into a double play and Josh Donaldson struck out.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Marlins: RHP Sandy Alcantara, who went on the injured list on Sept. 6, has a sprained ulnar collateral ligament, manager Skip Schumaker said. Schumaker wouldn’t say whether he expects the reigning NL Cy Young Award winner to return this season. … CF Jazz Chisholm Jr. (right knee discomfort) left after grounding into a double play in the fourth.

Brewers: LF Christian Yelich (back) missed his fifth consecutive game. … LF Mark Canha (left wrist), who left Tuesday’s game in the third inning, is day to day, manager Craig Counsell said.

UP NEXT

Milwaukee RHP Adrian Houser (5-4, 4.58 ERA) makes his first start since a stint on the IL with a right elbow injury as the series concludes Thursday. Miami had not announced a starter.