Patrick Sandoval's Season Cut Short by Torn UCL
In an unfortunate turn of events for the Los Angeles Angels, pitcher Patrick Sandoval has been diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his pitching elbow, necessitating season-ending surgery. The injury was sustained during a recent game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, where Sandoval was pitching to his former teammate, Shohei Ohtani.
The 27-year-old Sandoval, who was the Angels' opening-day starter, has had a challenging season. With a record of 2-8 and a 5.08 ERA in 16 games, his struggles were evident. The critical moment occurred during a third-inning walk to Ohtani when Sandoval's final pitch, an 89.3 mph sinker, was noticeably slower by 4.6 mph compared to his previous pitches. Immediately following this pitch, Sandoval hopped off the mound, grimacing in pain, and motioned towards the dugout while shaking his pitching arm. Initially diagnosed with left forearm tightness, further medical evaluations revealed a more severe condition: a torn UCL coupled with a high-grade flexor tear.
"It's a long recovery process, but I'm going to come back stronger," Sandoval assured fans, showing his determination to overcome the setback. The necessary Tommy John surgery, a well-known procedure among pitchers, requires a lengthy rehabilitation period of 12-18 months. The announcement of Sandoval's injury and subsequent surgery resonates deeply within the team as they prepare to make adjustments to their lineup.
Sandoval's journey in the major leagues spans six seasons, during which he has amassed a career record of 19-45 with a 4.01 ERA. This season, he is earning a salary of $5,025,000, with eligibility for salary arbitration through the 2024 and 2025 seasons. There is potential for him to become a free agent after the 2026 season, adding another layer of complexity to his career trajectory given his current predicament.
The Angels' Manager, Ron Washington, expressed empathy for Sandoval, emphasizing the timing of the injury. "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 said, highlighting Sandoval's competitive nature and the unfortunate timing of the injury. The absence of Sandoval undeniably places pressure on the Angels to reconsider their pitching options and roster strategy moving forward.
Sandoval, reflecting on the situation, conveyed his passion for the game despite the setback. "I love being out there playing. It's just unfortunate," he said, echoing the sentiments of many professional athletes who face the harsh realities of sports injuries while striving to return stronger.
As the Angels pivot from this news, they will need to rally around their team dynamics and identify suitable replacements to fill the void left by Sandoval's injury. The resilience and future performance of the team will be tested as they navigate the remainder of the season without one of their key pitchers. Meanwhile, Sandoval's focus will shift to his recovery and rehabilitation, with the hope of making a triumphant return to the mound in the seasons to come.