Patrick Sandoval's Season Cut Short by Torn UCL
In a blow to both his career and the Los Angeles Angels' season, Patrick Sandoval has been diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his pitching elbow. The injury necessitates season-ending surgery, specifically Tommy John surgery, which will sideline him for 12-18 months.
The unfortunate incident occurred during a pitch to his former teammate, Shohei Ohtani, during a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Sandoval, who was the Angels' opening-day starter, felt an immediate and sharp pain, causing him to hop off the mound while shaking his pitching arm. "I love being out there playing. It's just unfortunate," said Sandoval, reflecting on the injury.
Initial concerns pointed to left forearm tightness, but further medical evaluation revealed a more severe prognosis: a torn UCL coupled with a high-grade flexor tear. This diagnosis ends a challenging season that saw Sandoval compile a 2-8 record with a 5.08 ERA over 16 games. His final pitch, an 89.3 mph sinker, was noticeably slower by 4.6 mph compared to his previous pitches, indicating the severity of the injury at that moment.
Sandoval, who is 27 years old, has played six seasons in the major leagues, holding a career record of 19-45 with a 4.01 ERA. Despite the setbacks, he remains optimistic about his recovery and future. "It's a long recovery process, but I'm going to come back stronger," he stated reassuringly.
This injury is a significant setback not just for Sandoval, but also for the Angels, who now face the daunting task of adjusting their roster in his absence. Manager Ron Washington expressed his thoughts, saying, "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."
Despite the adversity, there is a silver lining for Sandoval's career. He is earning a salary of $5,025,000 this year and is eligible for salary arbitration through the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Moreover, he could become a free agent after the 2026 season, giving him ample time to return to form and establish his value on the free-agent market.
Sandoval's commitment to his recovery is unwavering. The extensive rehabilitation period following Tommy John surgery is notorious for its demands, both physically and mentally, but the pitcher remains focused on the long road ahead. His dedication to coming back stronger will undoubtedly serve as a vital motivational factor as he navigates this challenging period.
The Angels, too, will be required to demonstrate resilience and adaptability. Losing an opening-day starter mid-season is never easy, but how the team manages this setback could influence the remainder of their season. The reconfiguration of the pitching roster will be critical in addressing the void left by Sandoval's absence.
Patrick Sandoval's journey through rehabilitation and recovery will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. His return to the mound, whenever it comes, will not just be a personal triumph but a testament to his perseverance and determination amid adversity.