Patrick Sandoval's 2023 season has come to an untimely end. The Los Angeles Angels' pitcher has been diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his pitching elbow, an injury that will necessitate season-ending surgery. The announcement comes as a blow to the team and fans alike, as Sandoval was an important figure in the Angels' pitching rotation this year.
A Devastating Turn of Events
The injury transpired during a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, when Sandoval threw an 89.3 mph sinker to his former teammate, Shohei Ohtani. This pitch was noticeably slower by 4.6 mph than his prior pitches, a clear indication that something was amiss. Immediately following the pitch, Sandoval showed visible signs of distress—hopping off the mound, shaking his pitching arm, and grimacing in pain. He had to be taken out of the game after issuing a third-inning walk to Ohtani.
The initial diagnosis was left forearm tightness. However, further medical evaluations painted a more severe picture, revealing a torn UCL coupled with a high-grade flexor tear. These findings confirmed that Sandoval would require Tommy John surgery, a procedure known for its lengthy rehabilitation period of 12-18 months.
"I'm Going to Come Back Stronger"
Despite the daunting road to recovery, Sandoval remains optimistic. "It's a long recovery process, but I'm going to come back stronger," he said. His determination is evident, even in the face of such a significant setback. Sandoval, who is currently 27 years old, has already completed six seasons in the major leagues. Over his career, he has amassed a 19-45 record with a 4.01 ERA. This year, he was the Angels' opening-day starter and held a record of 2-8 with a 5.08 ERA in 16 games.
The financial aspects of Sandoval's career also come into play with this injury. He is earning a salary of $5,025,000 this year and is eligible for salary arbitration through the 2024 and 2025 seasons. He could become a free agent after the 2026 season, adding another layer of complexity to his professional journey.
Impact on the Angels
Sandoval's absence will necessitate significant adjustments for the Angels. Manager Ron Washington expressed the team's sentiments: "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's words underscore the loss Sandoval's injury represents not just in terms of talent, but also in terms of momentum and team morale.
The injury is particularly poignant given that it occurred during a pitch to Ohtani, a former teammate. Reflecting on the incident, Sandoval remarked, "I love being out there playing. It's just unfortunate." The sentiment captures the essence of a player who is passionate about the game, yet finds himself sidelined due to an unfortunate injury.
Looking Ahead
The Angels will now focus on how to fill the void left by Sandoval. The pitching staff will undergo necessary adjustments, and the team will look to other players to step up in his absence. Sandoval's surgery and subsequent rehabilitation will be closely monitored by both the team's medical staff and fans alike.
As Sandoval prepares for the challenging months ahead, his resolve remains unshaken. His journey through rehabilitation will be a testament to his resilience and determination. The road to recovery is long, but for a player as dedicated as Sandoval, the goal is clear: to return to the mound stronger than ever.