In a significant setback for the Los Angeles Angels, 27-year-old pitcher Patrick Sandoval has been diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his pitching elbow, ending his season prematurely. The injury necessitates surgery, with the expected recovery period for Tommy John surgery extending from 12 to 18 months.
The Moment of Injury
The injury occurred during a high-stakes game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Sandoval was on the mound, facing his former teammate Shohei Ohtani, when the incident unfolded. During a third-inning pitch, Sandoval delivered an 89.3 mph sinker—noticeably slower by 4.6 mph compared to his previous pitches. Immediately after, Sandoval was seen hopping off the mound, grimacing in pain, shaking his pitching arm, and motioning urgently towards the dugout.
Initially diagnosed with left forearm tightness, further medical evaluations revealed the torn UCL coupled with a high-grade flexor tear, making the necessity for Tommy John surgery inevitable. Speaking on his arduous road to recovery, Sandoval stated, "It's a long recovery process, but I'm going to come back stronger." The surgery marks a challenging period for the pitcher who has already spent six seasons in the major leagues.
A Promising Start Halted
The 2023 season had seen Sandoval stepping up to become the Angels' opening-day starter, a sign of the team's faith in his abilities. However, his record for the season stood at a disappointing 2-8 with a 5.08 ERA across 16 games. The injury disrupts what could have been a crucial period for Sandoval to develop further and make significant contributions to the team.
His manager, Ron Washington, expressed deep disappointment regarding Sandoval's situation: "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."
Financial and Career Implications
In addition to the physical and emotional toll, the injury has financial ramifications. Sandoval, earning a salary of $5,025,000 this year, is eligible for salary arbitration through the 2024 and 2025 seasons. He could become a free agent after the 2026 season. The Angels will need to navigate these contractual complexities while planning for his long-term rehabilitation and future contribution to the team.
Adjustments and Recovery
Sandoval's absence is a significant blow to the Angels, requiring immediate adjustments. The team will need to find a way to compensate for the loss of their opening-day starter, which could involve reconfiguring their pitching rotation or seeking external talent.
The recovery process for UCL injuries, culminating in Tommy John surgery, is well-documented in baseball, but it demands patience and rigorous rehabilitation. Sandoval is determined to embrace the challenge, expressing his determination and love for the game: "I love being out there playing. It's just unfortunate."
Over his career, Sandoval holds a 19-45 record with a 4.01 ERA, statistics that reflect the ups and downs typical of many professional pitchers. While this injury marks a significant hurdle, the hope remains that he will come back revitalized and ready to contribute at peak performance levels.
The Angels, their fans, and Sandoval himself will be keenly watching each step of his recovery, hopeful for a successful return to the mound.