Sandy Alcantara had waited more than a year and a half for this moment. The Miami Marlins’ ace spent all of last season relegated to the dugout as he rehabbed following Tommy John surgery and vowed to return better than ever once he got back to the mound.

The Cleveland Guardians have placed pitcher John Means (elbow) on the 15-day IL, retroactive to Mar. 24. Means is unlikely to rejoin the team until late in the year as he recovers from Tommy John surgery in June.

Throwing a baseball places an extraordinary amount of stress on the human elbow. Increasingly, the inflammation is a precursor to ulnar collateral ligament surgery, which is sometimes called Tommy John surgery.

A 2024 report from MLB showed how focusing on throwing with increased velocity and using the maximum effort on every pitch is likely the cause for arm injuries.

As he battled injuries, John Means, now in Cleveland, found solace in his Christian faith and the community of the Orioles organization.

On Sunday, the Chicago White Sox claimed a pitcher as the team navigates a storm of injuries at the position before their regular season starts on Thursday against the Los Angeles Angels.

Right-hander Drew Thorpe will have Tommy John surgery, the team announced, and infielder Brandon Drury, who was having an exception spring and stood a good chance to make the Opening Day roster, has a fractured left thumb. Thorpe’s surgery, at a date to be determined, will be performed by Dr. Keith Meister.