Patrick Sandoval's Devastating Blow: Season-Ending Surgery Required
The Los Angeles Angels were dealt a significant blow as pitcher Patrick Sandoval has been diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his pitching elbow. The severity of the injury necessitates a season-ending surgery for the 27-year-old, leaving a considerable void in the team's rotation.
The incident occurred during a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers when Sandoval delivered a pitch to his former teammate, Shohei Ohtani. The final pitch, a sinking fastball clocked at 89.3 mph, was notably slower by 4.6 mph from his earlier pitches. Immediately after, Sandoval exited the game, visibly in pain as he hopped off the mound shaking his pitching arm and beckoning to the dugout. Initial assessments indicated left forearm tightness, but further medical evaluations revealed the troubling extent of the injury, a torn UCL coupled with a high-grade flexor tear.
Reflecting on the setback, Sandoval expressed his determination: "It's a long recovery process, but I'm going to come back stronger." With a recovery timeline typically spanning 12 to 18 months for Tommy John surgery, Sandoval faces a challenging road ahead.
A Season of Struggles
Sandoval's 2023 season has been marred by inconsistency and underperformance. Pitching as the Angels' opening-day starter, he has amassed a record of 2-8 with a 5.08 ERA over 16 games. Throughout his six seasons in the major leagues, Sandoval boasts a career record of 19-45 with a cumulative ERA of 4.01.
His manager, Ron Washington, acknowledged the tough situation, emphasizing Sandoval’s recent 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."
Impact on the Angels
Sandoval’s absence will inevitably force the Angels to make strategic adjustments in their pitching lineup. As a key member of their rotation, Sandoval’s performance and experience provided stability that the team will now have to find elsewhere. He is currently earning a salary of $5,025,000 and remains eligible for salary arbitration through the 2024 and 2025 seasons, potentially becoming a free agent after the 2026 season.
For Sandoval, the journey back to the mound will be daunting, but his love for the game remains unwavering. "I love being out there playing. It's just unfortunate," he lamented.
Next Steps
The road ahead will be marked by rigorous rehabilitation and recovery. Tommy John surgery, a common procedure for pitchers with UCL tears, involves replacing the damaged ligament with a tendon from another part of the body. The extensive recovery process aims to restore full strength and range of motion, enabling pitchers to return to their previous level of performance, and in some cases, even better.
The Angels organization and their supporters will undoubtedly keep a close eye on Sandoval's progress over the coming months. His determination and resilience will be essential as he navigates this challenging period. The hope is that Sandoval's narrative will evolve from one of injury to triumph, as he works towards making a successful comeback to the game he is so passionate about.
In the interim, the team must rally, filling the gap left by their opening-day starter. The challenge will test the depth of the Angels’ roster and the adaptability of their pitching staff. Sandoval’s journey underlines the physical and mental demands of professional baseball, highlighting the resilience required to face such adversities head-on.
As Sandoval embarks on his rehabilitation journey, the baseball community will be watching, rooting for his return to the mound. His story serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of sports and the resolve required to overcome the hurdles thrown by the game.