Alcantara is hopeful that he will be able to return to action this season

MIAMI — Injured Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara hopes to return this season after throwing his second bullpen session on Monday.

The reigning National League Cy Young winner has been out since September 6 A tension in the flexor of the right forearm. Alcantara felt the pain while pitching against Washington on September 3rd.

“Everything felt good,” Alcantara said of his 20-pitch session before the start of the series against the New York Mets. “I used all my pitches like a game.”

Alcantara, 28, has been one of the most durable pitchers in the major leagues over the past four years. He led the majors in innings pitched and complete games last season to become Miami’s first Cy Young winner.

Before going on the disabled list with the first hand problem of his career, Alcantara pitched 184 2/3 innings and three complete games, going 7-12 with a 4.14 ERA and 151 strikeouts.

“I just have to trust the process,” the Dominican pitcher said, “and I feel good. Hopefully I can pitch this year.”

Miami enters Monday with the last wild card in the National League.

“I think anything is possible,” Miami manager Skip Schumacher said of Alcantara’s return. “You never doubt Sandy and where she’s at. Physically she’s feeling really good. “We’re just taking it day by day and not changing course.”