Patrick Sandoval's 2023 season has come to an abrupt and unfortunate end. The 27-year-old pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels was diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his pitching elbow, an injury that necessitates season-ending surgery. Undoubtedly a significant setback for Sandoval and the Angels, the recovery process for Tommy John surgery typically spans 12 to 18 months, pushing his return well into next season.
A Painful Moment
Sandoval's injury occurred under dramatic circumstances during a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. While pitching to his former teammate Shohei Ohtani, Sandoval felt a sharp pain. His final pitch, an 89.3 mph sinker, was noticeably slower by 4.6 mph compared to his usual speed, signaling that something was wrong. Immediately after delivering the pitch, Sandoval hopped off the mound, shaking his pitching arm and grimacing in pain before motioning to the dugout. Initially, the team diagnosed the injury as left forearm tightness, but further medical evaluations revealed the more severe torn UCL coupled with a high-grade flexor tear.
A Season of Struggles
This injury caps off what has been a challenging season for Sandoval. He entered this year as the Angels' opening-day starter, a role that signifies the team's confidence in his abilities. However, he struggled to find a consistent form, compiling a record of 2-8 with a 5.08 ERA over 16 games. Sandoval's absence now leaves a substantial void in the Angels' rotation, requiring the team to make critical adjustments as they navigate the remainder of the season.
Absence and Implications
Over his six MLB seasons, Sandoval has demonstrated flashes of potential, holding a career record of 19-45 with a 4.01 ERA. His performance, however, has been marred by inconsistency and now, a significant injury. This year, Sandoval is 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. The long rehabilitation process means that by the time he returns, the landscape of his career and the team's composition could look considerably different.
A Long Road Ahead
The recovery from Tommy John surgery is notoriously challenging and time-consuming, but Sandoval remains optimistic. "It's a long recovery process, but I'm going to come back stronger," he said, reaffirming his commitment to return to the mound better than ever. For Sandoval, who has expressed a deep love for playing the game, this injury is undoubtedly a significant hurdle. "I love being out there playing. It's just unfortunate," he added.
Managerial Support
Manager Ron Washington expressed his empathy for Sandoval's predicament. "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," Washington noted. The injury couldn't have come at a worse time, as the team looked to Sandoval to be a pivotal part of their rotation. His absence is a major blow, one that the Angels must now strategize around as they look to keep their season on track.
As the Angels grapple with Sandoval's loss, the focus will shift to nurturing their current roster and potentially exploring other options to fortify their pitching staff. For Sandoval, the road to recovery is long, but his resolve remains unshaken. Fans, teammates, and the organization will undoubtedly watch and support his journey back to the mound, hoping for a triumphant return. Until then, Sandoval's spirit and dedication stand as a testament to the resilience required in the face of significant adversity in the world of professional sports.