It’s been known since March that Sandy Alcántara wants to start on Opening Day. And he should. Even though José Ureña and Caleb Smith might also be in the running to begin the season on July 24 against the Phillies at Philadelphia, Alcántara is the most appropriate choice to receive the ball on Day 1.
On the 2019 Marlins, the Dominican was their best starting pitcher. I know Caleb Smith was great during the first half of the season and youngsters like Jordan Yamamoto and Elieser Hernández had their moments. But Sandy was the most effective one during the whole campaign despite losing 14 of his 20 decisions.