Marlins’ Alcantara Could Join Elite Group With 6th June Win

Sandy Alcantara made history last Tuesday, becoming the Miami Marlins' (44-40) all-time leader in strikeouts and home wins, and he has the chance to make history once more in several hours.

Alcantara could be the third pitcher in franchise history to record six wins in a single month. He'd join Chris Hammond (June 1993) and José Fernández (May 2016) in an elite, exclusive club.

Unlike Fernández, who had an excellent pitching month, Alcantara is breaking even. He has a 2.60 ERA with 29 strikeouts, but he allowed 30 hits while on the mound. Fernández finished May with a 1.87 ERA, 56 strikeouts and 27 hits allowed.

The performance difference is drastic, but Alcantara can make history nonetheless. He recorded his 1,000th strikeout in Miami's 6-4 victory over the Texas Rangers (42-42).

Miami's veteran right-handed pitcher passed Ryan Nolasco, and the current ever-increasing record sits at 1,002 strikeouts. It was also his 30th career home win, the most since loanDepot opened in 2012.

Pitching 34.2 innings in June, Alcantara has been a significant part of the Marlins' 18-6 record, and he could add another victory tonight. The club is four games over .500 and half a game out of the last National League Wild Card spot.

Historical outings from the longtime Marlin are helping the franchise inch closer to making the playoffs for the first time since 2023. While Alcantara is pitching well, his future with the organization is uncertain.

General manager Gabe Kapler has a decision to make before the MLB trade deadline on Aug. 3: capitalize on Alcantara's historic June or keep the franchise's ace on the mound for a playoff run.

He has an 8-4 win-loss record, 4.01 ERA, 81 strikeouts and a 1.24 WHIP throughout the season. Alcantara is just outside the top 10 in win-loss record, and it is better than his 11-12 win-loss record last season.

The Marlins are off to a good start to their three-state road trip. They are 2-1 after winning the series against the St. Louis Cardinals (43-38), and are starting a four-game series with the Colorado Rockies (33-51).

Alcantara can keep Miami's hot June streak going with a victory. The club would move to 19-6 during the month and have the opportunity to finish 20-6 on Tuesday.

But first, the Dominican Republic native could add his name to another historic feat in Marlins history. He did it last Tuesday, and tonight's game presents the opportunity to repeat history.