Patrick Sandoval's turbulent season has been abruptly halted by a severe injury that will require Tommy John surgery, sidelining the 27-year-old pitcher for at least 12 to 18 months. The devastating news comes after a diagnosis revealed a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his pitching elbow, compounded by a high-grade flexor tear.
Incident on the Mound
The injury unfolded during a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, a matchup that saw Sandoval pitching with determination until the third inning. As fate would have it, the critical moment occurred during a pitch to none other than his former teammate, Shohei Ohtani. Delivering an 89.3 mph sinker—noticeably 4.6 mph slower than his preceding pitches—Sandoval grimaced in pain and hopped off the mound, shaking his pitching arm and motioning towards the dugout. The initial assessment was left forearm tightness, but further medical evaluation painted a grimmer picture.
"It's a long recovery process, but I'm going to come back stronger," Sandoval stated, exuding a sense of resilience despite the gravity of the situation.
A Season of Struggles
Sandoval's campaign has faced significant challenges. As the Angels' opening-day starter, there were high expectations placed on his shoulders. Unfortunately, his season stats reflect a year riddled with difficulties: a 2-8 record with a 5.08 ERA over 16 games. This performance might have been influenced by underlying issues culminating in his eventual injury, which will now necessitate surgical intervention.
Manager Ron Washington expressed his sympathy for the pitcher, acknowledging both Sandoval's efforts and the tough road ahead. "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 commented.
Professional Journey
Sandoval has been a part of the major leagues for six seasons, building a 19-45 record with a 4.01 ERA. His contributions to the Los Angeles Angels have been notable, and his absence will undoubtedly impact the team, which will need to make significant adjustments moving forward. Sandoval is currently in the midst of a contract paying him $5,025,000 this year. He remains eligible for salary arbitration through the 2024 and 2025 seasons and could become a free agent after the conclusion of the 2026 season.
Future Prospects
The road to recovery from Tommy John surgery is long and arduous, typically requiring 12 to 18 months of rehabilitation. During this period, Sandoval will focus on rebuilding his strength and form in hopes of returning to the mound as the formidable pitcher his talent suggests he can be.
"I love being out there playing. It's just unfortunate," Sandoval remarked, his love for the game shining through even in the face of adversity.
The Angels' organization, players, and fans will undoubtedly rally around Sandoval, offering their support as he embarks on this challenging recovery journey. The pitcher's determination and positive outlook provide a glimmer of optimism that not just his career but also his passion for baseball will persevere and flourish once again.