Angels' Pitcher Patrick Sandoval to Undergo Season-Ending Tommy John 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. This devastating injury necessitates season-ending Tommy John surgery, marking a substantial setback for both Sandoval and the Angels' pitching rotation.
The injury took place during a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, while Sandoval was middle of an intensifying contest. The crucial moment occurred when Sandoval was pitching to former teammate Shohei Ohtani. During the third inning, Sandoval issued a walk to Ohtani, with his final pitch registering an 89.3 mph sinker—noticeably slower by 4.6 mph from his prior pitches in the game.
Visibly in pain, Sandoval hopped off the mound, shaking his pitching arm and grimacing before motioning to the dugout. Initial assessments pointed to left forearm tightness, but further medical evaluation revealed a more severe outcome: a torn UCL coupled with a high-grade flexor tear. The news means Sandoval, 27, will endure a lengthy rehabilitation process typical of Tommy John surgery, estimated between 12 to 18 months.
Despite the severity of his injury, Sandoval remains optimistic about his recovery and future return to the field. "It's a long recovery process, but I'm going to come back stronger," he expressed. His resilience and competitive spirit have been evident throughout his six seasons in Major League Baseball, reflected in his career record of 19-45 with a 4.01 ERA.
Manager Ron Washington shared his thoughts on the unfortunate timing of the injury. "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," Washington noted, emphasizing the team's understanding yet regretful acceptance of the situation.
Sandoval's current season statistics include a 2-8 record with a 5.08 ERA over 16 games, highlighting a year of struggles that has now been prematurely ended. His last outing against the Dodgers underlined the challenging season he faced, but his role as the Angels' opening-day starter showcased the faith and expectation the organization placed on his shoulders.
Beyond the immediate impact of his absence, the Angels will need to make significant adjustments to their pitching staff. The void left by Sandoval's injury adds pressure on the remaining rotation members to step up and fill the gap, while also possibly prompting the front office to explore external options to bolster their roster for the rest of the season.
Financially, Sandoval is earning a salary of $5,025,000 this year and remains eligible for salary arbitration through the 2024 and 2025 seasons. He could become a free agent after the 2026 season, a factor that adds another layer of consideration for both the player and the team as they navigate the aftermath of this injury.
As for Sandoval himself, the road to recovery will be arduous, but he remains undeterred. "I love being out there playing. It's just unfortunate," Sandoval lamented, voicing the disappointment felt by many players who experience such career-disrupting injuries. His dedication to returning to the mound is undoubted, and the entire baseball community will watch closely as he embarks on his journey back to health and competition.
The Angels, meanwhile, must forge ahead in his absence, acutely aware of the challenge that lies ahead. Sandoval's injury not only impacts their immediate pitching strategy but also carries implications for their future planning and roster development. Yet, the sport is no stranger to comebacks, and both Sandoval and the Angels will hope for a triumphant return that sees the pitcher stronger and more resilient than ever before.