Patrick Sandoval, the 27-year-old left-handed pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels, faces a long road to recovery after being diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his pitching elbow. The injury, which occurred during a pitch to former teammate Shohei Ohtani, will necessitate season-ending surgery.
The unfortunate event took place during a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Sandoval exited the match after issuing a third-inning walk to Ohtani, his last pitch clocking in at an uncharacteristically slow 89.3 mph sinker—4.6 mph slower than his previous pitches. Distress was evident as Sandoval hopped off the mound, shaking his pitching arm, grimacing in pain, and motioning urgently to the dugout. Initial concerns suggested left forearm tightness, but further medical evaluations revealed a torn UCL coupled with a high-grade flexor tear.
Sandoval's injury is a significant blow to the Angels, who had him as their opening-day starter. This season, Sandoval recorded a 2-8 record with a 5.08 ERA over 16 games. Over six seasons in the major leagues, he holds a 19-45 record with a 4.01 ERA. His performance, although inconsistent this year, made him a key player for the team, and his absence will necessitate strategic adjustments.
Manager Ron Washington acknowledged the setback for Sandoval and 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." The pitcher himself remains hopeful despite the looming challenges. "It's a long recovery process, but I'm going to come back stronger," Sandoval voiced with determination. He also expressed his love for the game, adding, "I love being out there playing. It's just unfortunate."
The recovery process for Tommy John surgery, which Sandoval will undergo, typically requires 12 to 18 months of rehabilitation. Given the timeline, Sandoval is expected to miss the entire upcoming season, a significant period for any professional athlete. His current contract earns him $5,025,000 this year, and he remains eligible for salary arbitration through the 2024 and 2025 seasons. He could become a free agent by the end of the 2026 season.
Sandoval's injury underscores the physical toll and unpredictability inherent in professional sports. As the Angels prepare to navigate the remainder of the season without their opening-day starter, the focus shifts to Sandoval's rehabilitation and hopeful return to the mound. The resilience and positivity he has shown will undoubtedly be critical during his recovery journey back to professional baseball.