MILWAUKEE (AP) — 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.
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