Sandy Alcantara

Alcantara spent the year rehabbing from undergoing Tommy John surgery in October 2023. The timing of the procedure limited the right-hander to bullpen sessions, though he began to face live hitters in mid-September. All the progress reports were encouraging, but when he takes the hill in the Grapefruit League, it will be over 16 months since Alcantara threw a ball in anger. Typically, the exercises involved in Tommy John rehab strengthen the area, allowing the pitcher to match, and often add velocity. The concern is always command and control, which were Alcantara's main assets before the injury. Even with a 98-mph fastball, Alcantara's strikeout rate was above average, but not elite. Workload will also be an issue. Rostering Alcantara is a matter of risk tolerance and level of reliance. It's best to treat him as a luxury item and not a staff fixture. Read Past Outlooks