Left-handed pitcher Patrick Sandoval of the Los Angeles Angels has a high-grade flexor tear and a torn ulnar collateral ligament, which means he needs Tommy John surgery. The Angels can’t seem to catch a break with injuries this season. He has no timetable for when he will return, but this could keep him out until 2026.
Lefty Patrick Sandoval said he has a high-grade flexor tear and a torn ulnar collateral ligament. So he’ll need to undergo Tommy John surgery.
— Rhett Bollinger (@RhettBollinger) June 24, 2024
Angels Pitcher Patrick Sandoval Needs Tommy John Surgery
The southpaw lasted until the third inning of his June 21st start against the Los Angeles Dodgers when he was taken out of the game due to an elbow injury. Unfortunately, the injury is more serious than what was initially diagnosed as a left elbow strain. Sandoval is set to undergo Tommy John surgery in the near future. This season, the 27-year-old lefty has a 5.08 ERA and 81 strikeouts, with a 2-8 record across 79 2/3 innings. The injury occurred when he threw a pitch to former Angel Shohei Ohtani.
LA Angels Injuries
The injury to Sandoval adds more heartbreak for the Angels. They currently have Adam Cimber on the IL with a shoulder injury, Jose Cisnero on the 60-day IL with a shoulder injury as well, Jose Quijada on the 60-day IL with an elbow injury, Chase Silseth on the 60-day IL with an elbow injury, Robert Stephenson on the 60-day IL with an elbow injury, infielder Brandon Drury with a day-to-day illness, Anthony Rendon on the 60-day IL with a hamstring injury, Miguel Sano on the 10-day IL with a knee injury, and Mike Trout on the 10-day IL with a knee injury. It feels like they have hit rock bottom.
As you can see, most of the Angels’ injuries are elbow injuries. There are 10 players on the IL, and fans are, without a doubt, taking it hard and feeling like they are cursed. However, as bad as their situation seems, the LA Angels are not the only team plagued with injuries. The 2024 season has showcased many teams dealing with unfortunate injuries this season, many of them being pitchers. This season has not been kind to dozens of players, as many teams’ injured lists continue to pile up. The only positive outlook with all these players going on the IL is that it has allowed minor league players to get called up and gain the opportunity to play in the majors.
While Sandoval’s injury is a setback, he is a back-end starter at best for the Angels. He’s had trouble working six innings this season. That means the Angels should be able to find a short-term fix to fill Sandoval’s role.
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