Angels' Patrick Sandoval to Undergo Season-Ending Tommy John Surgery
In a devastating blow to the Los Angeles Angels' pitching roster, it has been confirmed that left-handed pitcher Patrick Sandoval has been diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his pitching elbow. The injury, which necessitates Tommy John surgery, will sideline the 27-year-old for the remainder of the season and beyond.
The injury occurred during a recent game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Sandoval's troubles began in the third inning after issuing a walk to former teammate Shohei Ohtani. His final pitch, an 89.3 mph sinker, was notably slower by 4.6 mph from his previous pitches. The sudden decrease in velocity was immediately concerning, and Sandoval's subsequent actions—hopping off the mound, shaking his pitching arm, grimacing in pain, and motioning to the dugout—prompted an initial diagnosis of left forearm tightness.
However, further medical evaluation revealed the severity of Sandoval's condition—a torn UCL coupled with a high-grade flexor tear. This diagnosis means he will require Tommy John surgery, a procedure that typically requires 12-18 months of rehabilitation. "It's a long recovery process, but I'm going to come back stronger," Sandoval assured fans and teammates.
Sandoval's loss is a significant setback for the Angels. The seasoned pitcher, who was the team's opening-day starter this year, has struggled with his record this season—2-8 with a 5.08 ERA in 16 games. Nevertheless, his absence leaves a considerable void in the rotation. Manager Ron Washington expressed his thoughts on the unfortunate situation: "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."
Patrick Sandoval's professional career, which spans six seasons in the major leagues, is marked by perseverance and promise. He holds a 19-45 record with a 4.01 ERA, showcasing his talents on the mound despite the recent injury woes. His performance and potential have been significant assets for the Angels, who now face the challenge of adjusting their roster in light of his extended absence.
Financially, Sandoval is in his prime earning years, with a salary of $5,025,000 this year. He remains eligible for salary arbitration through the 2024 and 2025 seasons, with the potential to become a free agent after the 2026 season. His injury not only puts a strain on his playing time but also adds a layer of complexity to his future contractual negotiations.
Sandoval, reflecting on the situation, remarked, "I love being out there playing. It's just unfortunate." His sentiment echoes the feelings of many fans and teammates who have come to rely on his presence and performance. The Angels now have the task of recalibrating their strategy without one of their key pitchers, a move that will undoubtedly test the depth and resilience of their roster.
As Sandoval embarks on the lengthy recovery journey associated with Tommy John surgery, the focus will be on his rehabilitation and eventual return to the diamond. His determination and positive outlook are commendable, offering a glimmer of hope amid the current adversity. The coming months will be critical as he works towards a full recovery, aiming to come back stronger, just as he promised.
For the Angels, the road ahead involves navigating the remainder of the season without their opening-day starter. The team’s adaptability, coupled with the support of Sandoval’s teammates, will be vital in overcoming this hurdle. As the Angels chart their course forward, the baseball community will be watching closely, rooting for Sandoval’s successful return to the mound.