Going into the opening of spring training this week, there were some questions surrounding the Miami Marlins. However, one question that just about everyone knew the answer to was revealed early.
Manager Clayton McCullough is handing the ball to ace Sandy Alcantara to open the 2026 season on March 27 at loanDepot Park against the Colorado Rockies.
There was little drama going into spring training as to who was going to get the ball on opening night. It will be the sixth time during his tenure with the Marlins that the right-hander will get the ball on Opening Day. Miami is 2-3 in those starts and they are hoping to even that record against the Rockies.
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Again, there was very little question in waiting for this announcement as moves made by the president of baseball operations, Peter Bendix, made it clear who was going to get the ball. Edward Cabrera was traded to the Chicago Cubs in January, which left little doubt as to who was getting the ball out of spring training first.
Sandy Alcantara Says It Means a Lot To Start Opening Day Again for Miami