Patrick Sandoval Faces Season-Ending Surgery After UCL Tear
In a devastating blow to the Los Angeles Angels, starting pitcher Patrick Sandoval has been diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his pitching elbow, necessitating season-ending surgery.
The injury unfolded during a recent matchup against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Sandoval, 27, was forced to exit the game after a third-inning walk to former teammate Shohei Ohtani. It was an 89.3 mph sinker—noticeably slower by 4.6 mph compared to his earlier pitches—that sealed Sandoval's fate. He hopped off the mound, visibly shaking his pitching arm and grimacing in pain before motioning to the dugout, cutting his outing short.
Initially, the diagnosis was left forearm tightness, but further medical evaluation revealed a more severe condition: a torn UCL coupled with a high-grade flexor tear. Such an injury leaves Sandoval with no choice but to undergo Tommy John surgery, a procedure that typically demands a grueling 12-18 month rehabilitation process.
For Sandoval, the timing couldn't be more unfortunate. "I love being out there playing. It's just unfortunate," he said, reflecting the sentiments of both his fans and team. As the Angels' opening-day starter, Sandoval's absence throws a wrench into the team's plans.
Manager Ron Washington echoed the collective disappointment. "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." Offered Washington, capturing the essence of loss that the team feels without their starter on the mound.
Sandoval's season, now abruptly cut short, was a turbulent one. He posted a 2-8 record with a 5.08 ERA over 16 games. Nonetheless, his value to the Angels was indisputable. Over his six-season tenure in the major leagues, Sandoval has accumulated a 19-45 record with a commendable 4.01 ERA.
The financial aspects of Sandoval's career add another layer of complexity to the situation. Earning a salary of $5,025,000 this year, he remains eligible for salary arbitration through the 2024 and 2025 seasons. When healthy, Sandoval could become a free agent after the 2026 season. This injury may complicate future negotiations and the direction of his career.
Now facing Tommy John surgery, the pitcher remains resolutely optimistic. "It's a long recovery process, but I'm going to come back stronger," Sandoval stated, showing a determination that fans and teammates alike will rally behind.
Sandoval's final pitch—a fateful 89.3 mph sinker—left an indelible mark not only on the game but also on the Angels' strategic planning for the season. The team must now navigate the rest of their campaign without one of their key players. Filling the gap left by Sandoval will require the team to make several adjustments, challenging their depth and resilience.
As Sandoval prepares for surgery and the long road to recovery, his team and supporters are left to ponder what comes next for both the pitcher and the Angels. The recovery period promises to be long and arduous, but Sandoval’s spirit suggests that he will approach it with the same tenacity that has defined his career thus far.