Sandoval Faces Season-Ending Surgery
The Los Angeles Angels have been dealt a significant blow as their opening-day starter, Patrick Sandoval, has been diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his pitching elbow. The injury, which occurred during a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, will necessitate season-ending surgery for the 27-year-old pitcher.
Sandoval sustained the injury while pitching to his former teammate, Shohei Ohtani. During a third-inning pitch that registered 89.3 mph—noticeably slower than his previous pitches by 4.6 mph—he grimaced in pain, shaking his pitching arm and signaling to the dugout. His final pitch was a sinker, thrown before he hopped off the mound, further indicating discomfort. Initially, it was thought to be left forearm tightness, but a deeper medical evaluation revealed a torn UCL along with a high-grade flexor tear.
The unfortunate turn of events marks a premature end to a challenging season for Sandoval, who recorded a 2-8 record with a 5.08 ERA over 16 games. Reflecting on the situation, Sandoval expressed his determination to recover well and return to the mound stronger. “It’s a long recovery process, but I’m going to come back stronger,” he affirmed. “I love being out there playing. It’s just unfortunate.”
Manager Ron Washington echoed the team’s sentiment: “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.” The diagnosis implies that Sandoval will undergo Tommy John surgery, a procedure known to require 12-18 months of rehabilitation.
Sandoval has been a notable figure in the Angels' rotation over his six seasons in the major leagues. His career record stands at 19-45 with a 4.01 ERA. This season, he was earning a salary of $5,025,000 and remains eligible for salary arbitration through the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Although he could become a free agent after the 2026 season, his immediate focus will be on recovery and rehabilitation.
The Angels will undoubtedly need to make significant adjustments in Sandoval’s absence. His role as the opening-day starter demonstrates his importance to the team’s pitching lineup, and his injury will necessitate strategic changes for the remainder of the season.
With Sandoval sidelined, the Angels must explore their roster depth and potential trade options to reinforce their rotation. The team’s ability to adapt to this sudden development will greatly influence their performance as the season progresses.
Patrick Sandoval's journey through recovery will be closely monitored by fans and the baseball fraternity, rooting for his return to the mound. His resilience and determination will be crucial as he navigates this challenging period, aiming to reemerge stronger and continue his baseball career with renewed vigor.