ORLANDO, FL—Miami Marlins starting pitcher Sandy Alcantara has accepted the invitation from the Dominican Republic to participate in the World Baseball Classic, per FanDuel Sport Network’s Craig Mish. This will mark the second time he participates in the WBC, having previously done so in 2023.
Dominican Republic manager Albert Pujols could not confirm that Alcantara had accepted when asked on Tuesday afternoon, but said DR was interested in having him on the team. “Hopefully, he can be part and help us win,” said Pujols.
Alcantara, who returned from Tommy John surgery this past season, posted a 5.36 ERA, 4.28 FIP, 7.32 K/9 and 2.94 BB/9 through 174 â…” innings pitched. Even while struggling early in the season, he expressed his desire to once again participate in the tournament, saying “if they want to call me, I’m ready.”
In his lone outing of the 2023 tournament, Alcantara went 3 â…” innings, allowing three runs on five hits (one home run), three walks and struck out two. He took the loss against Venezuela and DR was eliminated during pool play.
It has been announced this week that MLB All-Stars Elly De La Cruz, Manny Machado and Junior Caminero will also be on the team.
The Dominican Republic has been assigned to Pool D along with Venezuela, Netherlands, Israel and Nicaragua. All of their tournament games will be played at Miami’s loanDepot park, beginning with their March 6 opener against Nicaragua.
Alcantara might not be the only Marlin representing DR. Nelson Cruz, the general manager of the team, told Fish On First that they have contacted AgustÃn RamÃrez, but also Samuel Basallo of the Baltimore Orioles, so there is competition at the catcher position.
“We have so many players, and it’s hard to choose,” said Cruz. He does not expect a decision to be made until February.