Patrick Sandoval's Season Ends with Torn UCL
In a devastating turn of events, Los Angeles Angels pitcher Patrick Sandoval's season has come to an abrupt and untimely end. Sandoval, 27, has been diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his pitching elbow, which will necessitate season-ending surgery. The injury, revealed after an initial diagnosis of left forearm tightness, also includes a high-grade flexor tear, making the road to recovery even longer.
The incident transpired during a highly anticipated game against the Los Angeles Dodgers when Sandoval faced off against his former teammate, Shohei Ohtani. During the third inning, after issuing a walk to Ohtani, Sandoval could be seen hopping off the mound, shaking his pitching arm, and grimacing in pain. His final pitch, an 89.3 mph sinker, was notably slower by 4.6 mph from his previous pitches, signaling that something was amiss.
"I love being out there playing. It's just unfortunate," said Sandoval, reflecting on the injury that abruptly halted his season. Manager Ron Washington echoed the sentiment, noting, "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 Angels' opening-day starter this season, Sandoval had a challenging run with a 2-8 record and a 5.08 ERA across 16 games. Despite the struggles, he remains a key part of the team's pitching rotation, and his absence will undoubtedly force the Angels to make significant adjustments.
The road to recovery will be a long one for Sandoval. The Tommy John surgery required to repair his torn UCL typically demands 12-18 months of intensive rehabilitation. However, the pitcher remains optimistic about his future in the sport. "It's a long recovery process, but I'm going to come back stronger," Sandoval asserted, demonstrating his resilient spirit.
Sandoval's career in the major leagues spans six seasons, during which he accumulated a 19-45 record with a 4.01 ERA. This year, he is earning a salary of $5,025,000 and is eligible for salary arbitration through the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Should all go well with his recovery, Sandoval could become a free agent after the 2026 season, giving him ample time to return to form and prove his worth on the mound.
For the Angels, the injury to Sandoval is a significant blow, requiring immediate strategizing and adjustments in their pitching lineup. The team's focus will now shift to finding suitable replacements and ensuring they stay competitive in the coming games. Nevertheless, the loss of a player who was not just a skilled pitcher but also a significant part of the team's dynamics will be felt deeply.
As Sandoval embarks on the challenging journey of recovery, thoughts and hopes of fans and teammates will be with him, anticipating his return to the mound in due time. His determination to come back stronger will undoubtedly serve as a source of motivation, both for himself and for those who look up to him in the world of baseball.