Incredible Performances by Sandy Alcantara Position Him as a Strong Contender for the NL Cy Young Award
When it comes to starting pitchers, lengthy outings have become a rarity in modern baseball. However, Sandy Alcantara is defying the norm in 2022 and showcasing remarkable talent that might just earn him the prestigious National League (NL) Cy Young Award. With two complete games already under his belt, Alcantara has emerged as a frontrunner for the award, according to FanDuel Sportsbook, which lists him as the +180 favorite.
Alcantara’s Dominance on the Mound
Pitching for the Miami Marlins, Sandy Alcantara has been nothing short of brilliant this season. Currently, he boasts a league-leading 1.95 ERA and an impressive 8-3 record. What truly sets him apart, however, is the number of innings he has thrown. With 115.1 innings pitched, Alcantara is going above and beyond, averaging over seven innings per start. In fact, he hasn’t pitched less than seven innings in his last ten outings. His innings pitched lead in the National League is a substantial 20 innings more than Aaron Nola, and he remains the only pitcher in the league with multiple complete games this season.
In a recent game against the Atlanta Braves, Alcantara displayed his unwavering determination. With the Marlins leading 4-3 in the ninth inning, Alcantara allowed a walk and a single, causing manager Don Mattingly to pay him a visit on the mound. Mattingly later commented, “I wasn’t taking him out on that one, but I did want to see where he’s at…I was going to give him that one.” Alcantara impressively escaped the inning and sealed the victory by inducing Edmundo Sosa to hit into a double play. This outstanding performance led to a career-high pitch count of 117.
Following the game, reporters attempted to determine if Alcantara now considers himself the best pitcher in the majors. In true form, he humbly responded, “I don’t know. There’s a lot of good pitchers right now. I don’t have to say I’m the best, but I’ve got to keep doing my job, keep positive, and keep competing.”
Burnes and Musgrove Trail Behind in the NL Cy Young Race
While Alcantara has positioned himself as a top contender for the NL Cy Young Award, he faces competition from Corbin Burnes and Joe Musgrove.
At FanDuel Sportsbook, Corbin Burnes stands as the second choice for the NL Cy Young with odds of +550. Burnes leads the league with 119 strikeouts, accompanied by a 6-4 record and an impressive 2.41 ERA. However, he falls short in innings pitched, having thrown only 93.1, a significant gap compared to Alcantara’s remarkable output.
Joe Musgrove of the San Diego Padres also presents a compelling case. Sporting a record of 8-1 and an impressive ERA of 2.12, Musgrove’s performances have been noteworthy. Yet, like Burnes, his limited innings pitched of 85 in 13 starts pale in comparison to Alcantara’s dominance.
What sets Alcantara apart from his competition is not only his remarkable performance inning by inning but also his ability to pitch significantly more innings. This makes him the undeniably most valuable pitcher in the National League thus far.
Conclusion
Sandy Alcantara’s exceptional performances in the 2022 season have positioned him as a front-runner for the NL Cy Young Award. With his remarkable ability to pitch deep into games and a league-leading ERA, Alcantara has captured the attention of baseball fans and experts alike. While contenders like Corbin Burnes and Joe Musgrove offer stiff competition, Alcantara’s innings and performance ultimately place him as the most valuable pitcher in the National League this year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many complete games has Sandy Alcantara thrown this season?
Sandy Alcantara has recorded two complete games during the current MLB season.
2. What is Sandy Alcantara’s ERA?
Alcantara currently leads the National League with an impressive 1.95 ERA.
3. How many innings has Sandy Alcantara pitched compared to his closest competitors?
Alcantara has thrown significantly more innings than his closest competitors in the NL Cy Young race. He leads the league with 115.1 innings pitched, surpassing Aaron Nola by approximately 20 innings.
4. Who are the top contenders for the NL Cy Young Award?
In addition to Sandy Alcantara, Corbin Burnes and Joe Musgrove pose the biggest threats in the race for the NL Cy Young Award.
5. What odds does FanDuel Sportsbook give Sandy Alcantara to win the NL Cy Young Award?
FanDuel Sportsbook lists Sandy Alcantara as the +180 favorite to win the NL Cy Young, reflecting his strong position as a front-runner for the award.
