Marlins’ Sandy Alcantara expresses frustration with decision to be removed in 9th inning

Alcantara Questions Marlins' Ninth-Inning Removal

Miami Marlins pitcher Sandy Alcantara expressed frustration after manager Clayton McCullough removed him in the ninth inning of a potential shutout against the Cincinnati Reds on April 7, 2026, at loanDepot Park. Alcantara had held a 2-0 lead with one out, a double by Matt McLain and a walk to Elly De La Cruz. Reliever Anthony Bender allowed both runners to score, tying the game before the Reds won 6-3 in 10 innings.

Alcantara, seeking the first back-to-back shutouts by a pitcher in more than a decade, allowed three hits and struck out six over 95 pitches. Charged with two earned runs -- his first of the season -- he told MLB.com: "So I think I deserve to be asked how I feel before taking me out of the game (at) 95 pitches and (with a) righty on deck. But it is what it is. Just got to get ready for my next outing. Get back tomorrow and fight the same way that we did today."

McCullough cited the Reds facing Alcantara for a fourth time through the order and selected Bender as the best option to close the game. "I think there's a lot of decisions that go throughout the course of the game, through the course of the season, that do weigh on you, and for this one to turn and not end up in our favor certainly doesn't feel great," the manager said. Alcantara, the 2022 National League Cy Young Award winner, entered with a 0.74 ERA and 18 strikeouts through three starts.

The loss ended Alcantara's scoreless streak early in the season.