Angels' Pitcher Patrick Sandoval Faces Season-Ending Surgery
Patrick Sandoval, the 27-year-old pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels, has been diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his pitching elbow, necessitating season-ending surgery. The injury, which also includes a high-grade flexor tear, is a significant setback for both Sandoval and the Angels.
The unfortunate incident occurred during a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers when Sandoval issued a third-inning walk to former teammate Shohei Ohtani. Immediately after delivering an 89.3 mph sinker—a pitch noticeably slower by 4.6 mph from his previous attempts—Sandoval hopped off the mound, visibly in pain, shaking his pitching arm and grimacing. The initial diagnosis was left forearm tightness, but further medical evaluations confirmed the more severe torn UCL.
Sandoval expressed his disappointment but remained optimistic about his recovery. "It's a long recovery process, but I'm going to come back stronger," Sandoval said. He also added, "I love being out there playing. It's just unfortunate."
The Required Tommy John Surgery
To address the injury, Sandoval will undergo Tommy John surgery, a procedure that typically requires 12 to 18 months of rehabilitation. This means not only the end of his current season but also potentially a significant portion of the following season, depending on his recovery timeline.
For the Angels, this injury presents a substantial challenge. Sandoval was the team's opening-day starter and despite a challenging season with a 2-8 record and a 5.08 ERA in 16 games, his presence on the mound was a crucial part of their strategy. Manager Ron Washington voiced the collective sentiment of the team, stating, "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."
Impact on Sandoval's Career and the Angels' Adjustments
Patrick Sandoval has played six seasons in the major leagues, holding a career record of 19-45 with a 4.01 ERA. Despite the ups and downs, Sandoval has been a key player for the Angels. This year, he is earning a salary of $5,025,000 and is eligible for salary arbitration through the 2024 and 2025 seasons. He could potentially become a free agent after the 2026 season.
With Sandoval’s absence, the Angels will need to make significant adjustments to their pitching roster. The team's ability to adapt and find a suitable replacement will be crucial as they navigate the remainder of the season. Considering Sandoval's prominent role, these adjustments will be far from straightforward.
The journey to recovery for Sandoval will be long and arduous, but the pitcher remains determined to return to the game stronger than ever. As he faces this challenge, the support of his team, coaches, and fans will undoubtedly play a crucial role in his rehabilitation process.
As the baseball world keeps an eye on Sandoval’s recovery, the Angels will have to press on without one of their key starters, hoping to overcome this significant loss and remain competitive in the league.