Patrick Sandoval's Season-Ending Surgery Marks Challenge for Angels
In an unfortunate turn of events for the Los Angeles Angels, pitcher Patrick Sandoval's season has come to an abrupt end due to a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his pitching elbow. The injury, which has necessitated Tommy John surgery, puts a significant dent in the Angels' rotation as they navigate the remainder of the season.
The 27-year-old left-hander's ailment emerged during a recent match against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Midway through a pitch to former teammate and current Dodgers star, Shohei Ohtani, Sandoval reported discomfort. He exited the game in the third inning after issuing a walk to Ohtani, his final pitch clocking in at 89.3 mph—4.6 mph slower than his previous deliveries. As Sandoval came off the mound, shaking his pitching arm and grimacing in pain, initial assessments pointed to left forearm tightness. However, further medical evaluations revealed the more severe diagnosis of a torn UCL and a high-grade flexor tear.
"It's tough for him, especially him, because he was really, really starting to compete. Now we know he's got to get it fixed," shared Angels' Manager Ron Washington, underscoring the impact of losing Sandoval at this juncture.
Sandoval's performance this season has had its share of ups and downs. As the Angels' opening-day starter, he has posted a 2-8 record with a 5.08 ERA across 16 games. Despite these setbacks, his presence on the mound has been instrumental for the team, making his absence a considerable void for the Angels to address. In his six years in Major League Baseball, Sandoval has recorded a career 19-45 record with a 4.01 ERA, marking him as a resilient figure despite his struggling win-loss ratio.
Sandoval is not only focusing on his immediate health but also looking ahead to the extensive recovery process that follows Tommy John surgery. Widely regarded as demanding, the rehabilitation period typically spans between 12 to 18 months, making it challenging yet imperative for the pitcher to diligently follow his recovery plan. "It's a long recovery process, but I'm going to come back stronger," Sandoval stated with determination.
For the Angels, adjustments are on the horizon to fill the gap left by Sandoval's exit. The team, known for its dynamic roster, will need to strategically rotate players and possibly explore external options to strengthen their pitching lineup. Sandoval's current salary stands at $5,025,000 for the year, with the pitcher being eligible for salary arbitration through the 2024 and 2025 seasons. He is anticipated to hit free agency after the 2026 season, making his recovery and return to form crucial for his professional trajectory.
Reflecting on his love for the game, Sandoval remarked, "I love being out there playing. It's just unfortunate." His sentiment resonates deeply with the team's ethos and underscores the emotional and physical toll of such injuries on athletes.
As Sandoval embarks on his road to recovery, both he and the Angels face a challenging period. The medical team's expertise and Sandoval's commitment to rehabilitation will be crucial in determining his return to the mound. For now, the focus remains on healing, with hopes pinned on a stronger comeback—both for Patrick Sandoval and the aspirations of the Los Angeles Angels.