Marlins Ace Perturbed Over Early Removal in Loss to Reds

Sandy Alcantara was pulled with one out in the 9th inning despite a strong outing.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:36am

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Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara was cruising with a 2-0 lead in the 9th inning against the Cincinnati Reds when manager Clayton McCullough pulled him after 95 pitches. Alcantara, a former Cy Young winner, expressed frustration at being removed without being consulted, though he respected the decision. The Marlins went on to lose the game after Alcantara's departure.

Why it matters

Alcantara is one of the top pitchers in baseball and the Marlins' best trade asset as they continue their rebuild. His displeasure at being pulled from a strong outing could signal growing tensions between the ace and the team's management.

The details

Alcantara had allowed just 3 hits and 2 walks while striking out 6 through 8.1 innings. With a righty batter due up and the Marlins holding a 2-0 lead, manager McCullough opted to pull Alcantara after 95 pitches. Alcantara expressed that he felt he deserved to be consulted before being removed, but respected the decision.

  • Alcantara was pulled from the game with one out in the 9th inning on April 8, 2026.

The players

Sandy Alcantara

The Miami Marlins' ace right-handed pitcher, a former Cy Young Award winner in 2022 who is under contract for the 2027 season.

Clayton McCullough

The manager of the Miami Marlins.

Elly De La Cruz

The Cincinnati Reds' shortstop who was the batter Alcantara was facing when he was pulled from the game.

Anthony Bender

The Marlins relief pitcher who allowed the runner inherited from Alcantara to score on a wild pitch.

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What they’re saying

“I feel like I deserve to be asked how I feel before getting taken out of the game, at 95 pitches and a righty on deck, but I respect the decision.”

— Sandy Alcantara

What’s next

The Marlins will need to carefully manage the relationship between Alcantara and the front office as the trade deadline approaches, with Alcantara's value at an all-time high but the team in rebuilding mode.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the delicate balance between a team's competitive goals and keeping its star players happy, especially as the Marlins weigh Alcantara's long-term future with the franchise against his potential trade value.