In a deeply unfortunate turn of events for the Los Angeles Angels, starting pitcher Patrick Sandoval has been diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his pitching elbow. This debilitating injury will necessitate season-ending Tommy John surgery, a major blow for both the player and the team.
Sandoval, 27, exited a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers after throwing what would be his final pitch, registering an unusually slow 89.3 mph on the radar gun. That pitch, an 89.3 mph sinker, was notably 4.6 mph slower than his previous deliveries. He visibly grimaced in pain, shaking his pitching arm as he motioned to the dugout for assistance after walking former teammate Shohei Ohtani in the third inning. Initially diagnosed as left forearm tightness, further medical evaluations revealed 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 expressed, exhibiting a determined optimism in the face of the daunting rehabilitation process ahead. The recovery timeline for Tommy John surgery typically extends between 12 and 18 months, placing significant distance between Sandoval and his return to the mound.
A Season Cut Short
Sandoval's 2023 season was already a struggle, with a record of 2-8 and a 5.08 ERA over 16 games. However, his presence was vital for the Angels, as he had earned the honor of being their opening-day starter. Manager Ron Washington acknowledged the setback: "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."
The timing of the injury is particularly tough for Sandoval, who has been a key player for the Angels over his six-season career in Major League Baseball, holding a career record of 19-45 with a 4.01 ERA. This year, he was earning a salary of $5,025,000 and is eligible for salary arbitration through the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Sandoval has the potential to become a free agent after the 2026 season, a future that now hangs in the balance as he embarks on a lengthy rehabilitation process.
Impact on the Angels
Sandoval's absence will necessitate major adjustments for the Angels. His role as a starting pitcher will need to be filled, and the team will have to find ways to compensate for his experience and skill on the mound. The ripple effects of this injury will be felt throughout the pitching staff and may prompt the front office to explore trade options or bolster their depth through other means.
Sandoval's injury is another chapter in the saga of the Angels' season, marked by adversity and challenges. Despite the hardships, Sandoval's words resonate with a sense of resolve and determination: "I love being out there playing. It's just unfortunate."
For both Sandoval and the Angels, the road ahead is uncertain. The focus now shifts to his surgery and subsequent rehabilitation, a journey that will test his resilience and fortitude. As Sandoval himself noted, the process will be long, but the commitment to coming back stronger remains unwavering.
The Angels, for their part, will need to adapt and persevere in his absence, hoping that the remainder of the season brings fewer injuries and more opportunities for young players to step up. In professional sports, resilience is often the key to overcoming adversity, and both Sandoval and his team will need all they can muster in the months to come.