Angels' Patrick Sandoval Faces Season-Ending Surgery
In a devastating blow to the Los Angeles Angels, pitcher Patrick Sandoval has been diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his pitching elbow. The 27-year-old’s injury will necessitate season-ending Tommy John surgery, with a recovery process estimated to span 12-18 months.
Sandoval, who opened the season as the Angels' starting pitcher, sustained the injury during a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The pivotal moment occurred while pitching to his former teammate, Shohei Ohtani. After issuing a third-inning walk, Sandoval delivered an 89.3 mph sinker—4.6 mph slower than his previous pitches. Shortly thereafter, he grimaced in pain, hopping off the mound while shaking his pitching arm and signaling to the dugout.
The initial diagnosis pointed to left forearm tightness, but further medical evaluations revealed a torn UCL coupled with a high-grade flexor tear. The severity of these injuries means that Sandoval will not only miss the remainder of the season but also face a lengthy rehabilitation process.
"It's a long recovery process, but I'm going to come back stronger," Sandoval said, expressing resilience despite the setback. "I love being out there playing. It's just unfortunate."
Sandoval's record this season stood at 2-8 with a 5.08 ERA across 16 games. While these numbers might not fully reflect his capability, his presence on the mound was integral to the Angels' rotation. Sandoval, who has played six seasons in the major leagues, holds an overall record of 19-45 with a 4.01 ERA.
Sandoval’s manager, Ron Washington, expressed sympathy for the pitcher’s plight. "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 remarked. The manager's words highlight the bitter reality of the situation, as Sandoval was just beginning to find his stride in a highly competitive season.
Sandoval’s absence will inevitably prompt the Angels to make strategic adjustments. With a salary of $5,025,000 this year and eligibility for salary arbitration through the 2024 and 2025 seasons, his injury also has financial implications. Looking further ahead, Sandoval could become a free agent after the 2026 season.
This setback underscores the physically demanding nature of professional baseball, where injuries can swiftly derail even the most promising careers. The Angels now face the challenging task of filling the void left by Sandoval’s departure. As the team navigates these choppy waters, they will undoubtedly rally around their sidelined teammate, hoping for his swift and complete recovery.
In the world of sports, injuries like Sandoval’s serve as stark reminders of the fragility of athletic careers. As he embarks on this long road to recovery, the baseball community will watch closely, rooting for the return of a stronger, more resilient Patrick Sandoval.