Patrick Sandoval's Season Ends with Torn UCL
Los Angeles Angels pitcher Patrick Sandoval's season has come to a premature end following a devastating diagnosis of a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his pitching elbow. The injury necessitates Tommy John surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation period, casting a shadow over both his career and the Angels’ season.
Sandoval, 27, suffered the injury during a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The incident occurred in the third inning after he issued a walk to former teammate Shohei Ohtani. His final pitch, an 89.3 mph sinker, was notably slower—by 4.6 mph—than his previous pitches. Sandoval immediately showed signs of distress, hopping off the mound, shaking his arm, and grimacing in pain before signaling to the dugout. Originally diagnosed with left forearm tightness, further medical evaluation revealed the more severe torn UCL and a high-grade flexor tear.
“It’s a long recovery process, but I’m going to come back stronger,” Sandoval affirmed, reflecting on the forthcoming challenge. The rehabilitation process for Tommy John surgery typically spans 12-18 months, ensuring Sandoval's absence for the remainder of the season and potentially impacting his availability for the next.
Sandoval, who served as the Angels' opening-day starter, has played six seasons in the major leagues. This year, he posted a 2-8 record with a 5.08 ERA in 16 games. Over his career, he holds a 19-45 record with a 4.01 ERA. Despite the setback, Sandoval is determined to return to the mound stronger and more competitive. “I love being out there playing. It’s just unfortunate,” he added, expressing his sentiments on the abrupt end to his season.
Sandoval's absence leaves the Angels with significant adjustments to make. Manager Ron Washington acknowledged the setback, particularly given Sandoval's 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 commented.
Financially, Sandoval's current salary is $5,025,000, and he is eligible for salary arbitration through the 2024 and 2025 seasons. He could become a free agent after the 2026 season. This injury could affect future contract negotiations, making his recovery and return crucial not only for his personal career but also for the team’s long-term planning.
The Angels now face the task of filling the void left by Sandoval. As their opening-day starter, his role was pivotal, and losing such a player will undoubtedly impact the team’s dynamics and strategy moving forward. Sandoval's commitment to returning stronger, however, offers a glimmer of hope for both the player and the franchise.
As Sandoval embarks on this challenging road to recovery, the baseball community and Angels' fans alike will be watching closely, hoping for a successful comeback from this resilient athlete. In the world of sports, injuries like Sandoval's are an unfortunate reality, but they also provide an opportunity for stories of perseverance and triumph. Only time will tell how this latest chapter in Patrick Sandoval’s career unfolds.