Alcantara working his way back, throws prior to Marlins’ win against the Dodgers

With his Marlins’ teammates curiously watching from the dugout and behind the batting cage Tuesday, Sandy Alcantara threw his first live batting practice since undergoing Tommy John surgery in October.

Hours before the Marlins started their final homestand with an 11-9 win versus the Dodgers, Alcantara faced three batters — David Hensley, José Devers, and Javier Sanoja — and hurled 20 pitches, moving closer to his target of being the team’s Opening Day starter next season.

“I’ve been getting tired of just throwing bullpen [sessions], so today was a big step for me to be out there,” said Alcantara, who was encouraged by how his elbow responded to the session. “Everything feels good.”

The 29-year-old right-hander said he was pleased with his fastball, which topped out at 99 mph, as well as his command. His changeup looked good, too, manager Skip Schumaker said, while noting, “It looked like he was in Opening Day form.”

“If you ask me, he’s ready to go now,” said lefty Jesús Luzardo, who underwent Tommy John surgery eight years ago.

Alcantara threw mostly strikes Tuesday and said he used everything in his arsenal — except his curveball.

“No more,” he said, laughing.

Alcantara had not faced batters since Sept. 3 of last year, when he allowed two earned runs in eight innings at Washington and got the win.

“I think it’s a weight off his shoulders to get out there and face hitters again,” Luzardo said.

Sanoja admitted to feeling “a bit nervous” during his long at-bat against the 2022 Cy Young winner on Tuesday, calling the experience a thrilling first for him.

“It’s just incredible to face a guy like this,” Sanoja said via team interpreter Luis Dorante Jr. “I truly liked checking out his sinker — great velocity,” he added. Also, “you could see he was working a lot on his slider.”

Schumaker called Tuesday “a really big day.”

“And what a cool moment — like 30 guys were in the dugout watching him,” Schumaker said. “And a lot of them were guys that haven’t been here for a long time, that don’t really know Sandy. They were all out here out of respect for who he is.”

“It was awesome to watch,” Luzardo said. “He has put in a lot of work, and we’ve all seen it. So, we’re happy for him.”

Alcantara said he’s unsure when he’ll throw live batting practice again.

“Let’s see what decision they’re going to make,” he noted. “I’m ready to throw another one.”

As for Tuesday’s starting pitchers, neither went deep into the game.

Dodgers’ right-hander Bobby Miller lasted only two innings, giving up four runs, and Marlins’ righty Darren McCaughan allowed five runs over 3.2 innings.

The Marlins jumped ahead 4-0 with two runs in each of the first two innings, the Dodgers answered with four in the third, and the scoring spree continued from there.

Jesús Sánchez was a major part of the Marlins’ production.

He was 5 for 5, topping his previous career high of three hits ina game. Sánchez also drove in three runs and scored twice.

“My plan [at the plate] was to be early [swinging] as much as possible and react,” Sanchez said via Dorante Jr. “I was following it — three, four [hits], and then that fifth at-bat, I just kept having fun.”

Jake Burger had four RBI, including a 415-foot two-run homer to center in the eighth. And Connor Norby scored four runs, including the go-ahead in the fourth.

“Our offense just kept going,” Schumaker said. “They weren’t content with whatever lead we had. Sanchez hit the ball as hard as anybody. Five hits — incredible night.”

The Marlins led the rest of the way, holding off a Dodgers rally in the ninth for their second win in the past eight games.

“They don’t go away,” Schumaker said of the Dodgers. “That offense is crazy. It just doesn’t stop.”

▪ Left-hander Ryan Weathers will start on the mound Wednesday, Schumaker said. Weathers has been on the 60-day injured list since straining his left index finger June 7 against the Guardians.

▪ Shohei Ohtani homered to right field in the third inning, inching closer to becoming the first player in MLB history to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season.

The Dodgers’ two-way sensation began the three-game series against the Marlins needing three home runs and two stolen bases to reach the milestone. “He’s probably the best player I’ve ever seen play,” Schumaker said.

▪ Schumaker, whose family lives in Los Angeles, said his son “will cheer for Shohei” against the Marlins. “I’m not happy about it either, trust me,” Schumaker said playfully.

▪ Jonah Bride, who had an RBI single in the first inning, has hit safely in 13 of the past 16 games.

▪ LHP Braxton Garrett (forearm) pitched 4 2/3 scoreless innings for Triple A Jacksonville on Tuesday, allowing three hits. Vidal Bruján (shoulder) and Derek Hill (shoulder) played the entire game at shortstop and center field, respectively. Dane Myers (ankle) manned left field for seven innings.

▪ RHP Eury Pérez began throwing Tuesday for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery. RHP Max Meyer (shoulder) will be evaluated sometime this week for a throwing program. RHP Sixto Sánchez (shoulder) threw live batting practice Tuesday. RHP Calvin Faucher (shoulder) has begun to play catch.