Patrick Sandoval’s Season Cut Short by Severe Elbow Injury
In a devastating blow to the Los Angeles Angels and their fans, Patrick Sandoval has been diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his pitching elbow, an injury that will necessitate season-ending surgery. Sandoval, who served as the Angels' opening-day starter, sustained the injury during a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The unfortunate incident occurred while Sandoval was pitching to his former teammate, Shohei Ohtani.
Recounting the Incident
The critical moment happened in the third inning. After issuing a walk to Ohtani, Sandoval threw an 89.3 mph sinker, notably slower by 4.6 mph from his previous pitches. The pitcher immediately showed signs of distress, hopping off the mound, shaking his pitching arm, and grimacing in pain as he motioned to the dugout. Initially, the diagnosis was left forearm tightness, but further medical evaluations revealed a torn UCL coupled with a high-grade flexor tear. This injury makes Tommy John surgery unavoidable, setting Sandoval on a lengthy road to recovery that typically spans 12-18 months.
Impact on Patrick Sandoval and the Angels
Sandoval's injury is particularly heartbreaking given his history with the team and his role this season. The 27-year-old pitcher had a challenging season statistically, holding a record of 2-8 with a 5.08 ERA across 16 games. Nevertheless, he was a significant part of the Angels' roster. Over six seasons in the major leagues, Sandoval has accumulated a 19-45 record with a 4.01 ERA and was notably chosen as the opening-day starter for this season—an indication of the faith the team had in his abilities.
“It’s a long recovery process, but I’m going to come back stronger,” Sandoval promised, showing a blend of resilience and optimism despite the setback. He expressed his love for the game and acknowledged the unfortunate timing of the injury, stating, “I love being out there playing. It’s just unfortunate.”
The Road to Recovery
Manager Ron Washington acknowledged the toll this injury takes on the pitcher and the team, emphasizing Sandoval's competitive spirit and recent performance improvements. “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.
Sandoval's absence on the mound will undoubtedly force the Angels to make critical adjustments. As a key player, his performance and presence will be missed, yet the team must now rally to fill the void left by his sidelining. The Angels are not only losing a player but also a considerable financial investment; Sandoval is earning a salary of $5,025,000 this year and remains eligible for salary arbitration through the 2024 and 2025 seasons, with potential free agency in 2026.
The Future
The immediate future for Sandoval involves surgery and an extensive rehabilitation process. Tommy John surgery is known for its rigorous recovery requirements, but many pitchers have successfully returned to the game stronger than before. The baseball community, teammates, and fans alike will certainly be rooting for Sandoval as he embarks on this challenging journey.
As the Angels leadership navigates the implications of Sandoval's injury for the rest of the current season and beyond, the team remains committed to supporting their pitcher through his recovery. His resilience and determined attitude serve as a source of inspiration for his teammates and fans who eagerly await his return to the mound.