ST. PETERSBURG -- Right-hander Sandy Alcantara is continuing to make steady progress in his throwing program and is scheduled to start his rehab assignment on Monday for the Class A Advanced Jupiter Hammerheads at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium.
Alcantara has been on the disabled list since July 4 with a right axillary infection. In recent days, the 22-year-old right-hander has thrown off the mound with no discomfort.
When he faces the Fort Myers Miracle on Monday, it will mark the first time Alcantara has seen game action since making his MLB debut against the Mets on June 29 at Marlins Park. In five innings that day, the hard-throwing right-hander gave up one run on three hits, but he walked five and struck out two on 98 pitches.
Alcantara picked up his first win that night, but he was scratched from his next start and placed on the disabled list.
Against Fort Myers, Alcantara is expected to throw about 35-40 pitches.
"Then, we will be able to jump him up again," Marlins manager Don Mattingly said.
The Marlins acquired Alcantara from the Cardinals in December as part of the package for Marcell Ozuna.
Ranked by MLB Pipeline as the Marlins' No. 2 prospect, Alcantara opened the season at Triple-A New Orleans, where he was 5-3 with a 3.71 ERA in 14 starts, striking out 64 in 85 innings.
If all goes well in his first rehab assignment, Alcantara is expected to make at least one more rehab assignment before rejoining Miami's rotation.
"He's got to be around 75 [pitches] to get him back with us," Mattingly said.
Worth noting:
• Reliever Tayron Guerrero (left lumbar strain) is scheduled to pitch an inning of relief on Saturday for Double-A Jacksonville. Guerrero has been on the DL since July 5. One of the hardest throwers in the Majors this season, Guerrero last pitched in a big league game on July 3.
"He will have at least another [rehab outing], so we'll see after that," Mattingly said.
Getting Guerrero back in the near future will be a big boost for the bullpen.
• Closer Kyle Barraclough, who was not available in Friday's 6-5 win over the Rays, is feeling better, and he could be an option Saturday. Barraclough was stricken with what was basically a 24-hour stomach virus. On Thursday, he threw off the mound at Marlins Park, and traveled with the team to St. Petersburg later in the day. Thursday night, he became ill, and on Friday was sent to the hotel at game time.
"He's feeling better now," Mattingly said. "We're getting some fluids in him, and keeping him hydrated."