Patrick Sandoval's Season-Ending Surgery: Impact on Angels and His Career
The Los Angeles Angels have been dealt a significant blow with the announcement that pitcher Patrick Sandoval has been diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his pitching elbow. This devastating injury will necessitate season-ending surgery for the 27-year-old. The news comes at a particularly challenging time for Sandoval and the Angels, as the team must now adjust to the absence of their opening-day starter.
Sandoval's injury occurred during a pitch to former teammate Shohei Ohtani in a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The severity of the injury became apparent when his final pitch, an 89.3 mph sinker, was noticeably slower by 4.6 mph from his previous pitches. After issuing a third-inning walk to Ohtani, Sandoval exited the match displaying visible signs of distress—shaking his pitching arm, grimacing in pain, and motioning to the dugout for assistance. Initially diagnosed with left forearm tightness, further medical evaluation revealed the grievous torn UCL coupled with a high-grade flexor tear, necessitating Tommy John surgery.
"It's a long recovery process, but I'm going to come back stronger," Sandoval shared, maintaining a determined outlook despite the challenging road ahead. The recovery from Tommy John surgery typically requires 12-18 months of intensive rehabilitation, raising questions about the timing of his return to the mound.
Manager Ron Washington expressed his concern for Sandoval, highlighting the pitcher’s recent competitive stride. "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," said Washington. His sentiments reflect the frustration and disappointment felt by both the player and the team.
Patrick Sandoval's journey has seen six seasons in the major leagues, with this particular season marked by a 2-8 record and a 5.08 ERA in 16 games. Despite these numbers, he has proven to be a vital part of the Angels' rotation, stepping up as their opening-day starter. Throughout his career, he has secured a 19-45 record with a 4.01 ERA, earning him a salary of $5,025,000 this year. Looking ahead, Sandoval remains eligible for salary arbitration through the 2024 and 2025 seasons, and he could potentially become a free agent after the 2026 season.
The ripple effects of Sandoval's absence will certainly be felt. The Angels, already grappling with their standings, will need to readjust their pitching roster and strategy moving forward. Amidst this period of transition, Sandoval’s strength and optimism resonate. "I love being out there playing. It's just unfortunate," he added, encapsulating the unyielding spirit of an athlete driven by passion for the game.
As the Angels strategize their path without one of their key players, the broader baseball community watches Sandoval’s journey with attention. His commitment to returning stronger post-surgery symbolizes the resilience inherent in professional sports. For now, the league bids him patience and fortitude as he embarks on this rigorous road to recovery.