(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Miami Marlins are looking to get into the playoffs for the first time since the COVID-shortened 2020 season.
In that 60-game sprint, they were able to find their way into the postseason.
But most people knew that was a fluke.
This season, the Marlins have shown they are serious playoff contenders.
With a record of 71-67, the Marlins are 0.5 games out of the final Wild Card spot.
If they want to get that spot, they need to play their best ball over the final few weeks.
That will be difficult with the recent news about the injury to Sandy Alcantara.
The reigning Cy Young winner has been placed on the 15-day IL.
According to Bob Nightengale, Alcantara has a right forearm flexor strain.
Tough news: The Miami #Marlins, just 1/2-game behind Cincinnati for the final wild-card berth, will now be without ace Sandy Alcantara. They are placing him on the 15-day IL with a right forearm flexor strain.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) September 6, 2023
This was the last thing the Marlins needed to see.
Alcantara has not had a great season, but over his last seven games, he has been much better.
He has an ERA of 3.28 and has thrown 49.1 innings with 38 strikeouts.
The Marlins will need another pitcher to step up in his absence.
Rookie Eury Perez has been lights out when called upon this year.
On the season he has made 16 starts.
He has a 2.86 ERA in 78.2 innings pitched with 95 strikeouts.
The Marlins might rely more heavily on Perez over the final few weeks.
It is hard not to be impressed with how the Marlins have played this year.
But, it seems like they are running out of gas at the worst time.
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