OC Register: Angels pitcher Patrick Sandoval will undergo surgery to repair torn UCL

[AngelsWin.com]

ANAHEIM — Angels pitcher Patrick Sandoval received multiple opinions on his injured elbow, but the news was still bad.

Sandoval revealed on Monday that he has a torn ulnar collateral ligament and a “pretty high grade” flexor tear. He said he’s going to have surgery “as soon as possible.”

Sandoval said he’s not sure yet the exact nature of the surgery, but typically a torn UCL leads to Tommy John surgery, which would likely have Sandoval out until 2026.

“It sucks,” Sandoval said. “There’s no other way to put it. I love being out on the field. I love playing. It’s just unfortunate.”

Sandoval is not eligible for free agency until after the 2026 season. He’s arbitration-eligible for each of the next two seasons. The Angels could non-tender him or they could sign him to a multi-year deal at a discounted rate, in an effort to get some production following his rehab.

For now, Sandoval has to deal with the reality that his disappointing season has come to an end.

“It’s a long recovery process,” Sandoval said. “It sucks, obviously, but I’m going to come back stronger.”

Sandoval, 27, has a 19-45 record and a 4.01 ERA in his career, but it’s come in two distinctly different chapters. In 2021-22, Sandoval had a 3.17 ERA. After a bad start in 2023, he finished strong and had a 4.11 ERA. Although Sandoval was named the Angels’ Opening Day starter this season, he posted a 5.08 ERA in 16 starts.

He left Friday’s game in the third inning when he felt something in his elbow. The MRI exam on Saturday showed the damage.

“You never really anticipate that kind of injury, but you’re aware of how common it is in the game, especially at this high level with how hard guys throw,” Sandoval said.

The Angels now need to find a way to replace Sandoval in the rotation. They are still undecided about who will pitch on Wednesday.

Manager Ron Washington said over the weekend that Reid Detmers and Chase Silseth had not yet shown enough at Triple-A for them to considered ready to return to the majors.

INJURY UPDATES

Third baseman Anthony Rendon, who is rehabbing from a torn hamstring, ran the bases for the first time in his rehab on Monday. Rendon has been hitting and doing defensive drills.

Second baseman Brandon Drury was out of the lineup again because of an upper respiratory virus. Drury went through a workout before the game, and Washington said he was available for the game.

Right-hander Adam Cimber threw for the first time going on the injured list with right shoulder inflammation.

Shortstop Zach Neto returned to the lineup after coming out of Saturday’s game with a calf contusion.

There has been no change in Mike Trout’s activity. The three-time American League MVP said last week that he’s still unable to run with his full weight on a treadmill, which precludes any baseball activity.

FUTURE MANAGER

Oakland A’s manager Mark Kotsay was a player with the A’s when Washington was the third base coach, and he said he could tell the former Cal State Fullerton star would become a manager.

Given that, Washington was asked which Angels player could be a manager. At first he said they’re “too young” for him to have a good idea, but then he came up with one.

“I’m going to go out on a limb,” Washington said. “If I had to choose one that would be a tremendous manager, it would probably be (Nolan) Schanuel. He’s got the temperament.

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“I’m beginning to see this kid start to understand the game. I’m beginning to see it. He asks some real good questions. He’s now involved in the game. He might not have been as involved two months ago. He’s real involved now. He’s a very smart guy.”

NOTES

Left-hander José Suarez cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A. The Angels designated Suarez for assignment after he posted an 8.15 ERA in 35⅓ innings. …

Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh was a guest of the Angels on the field during batting practice. …

Members of the Angels’ Class-A Inland Empire affiliate were also on the field during a portion of the pregame workout. Minor league teams are typically off on Mondays.

UP NEXT

Athletics (RHP Mitch Spence, 4-3, 3.86 ERA) at Angels (LHP Tyler Anderson, 6-7, 2.48 ERA), Tuesday, 6:38 p.m., Bally Sports West, 830 AM

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[jsnpritchett]

"There has been no change in Mike Trout’s activity. The three-time American League MVP said last week that he’s still unable to run with his full weight on a treadmill, which precludes any baseball activity."

Either he just doesn't heal as quickly as other folks these days or this was truly on the serious end of the spectrum in terms of how bad the damage was. 

[BTH]

19 minutes ago, jsnpritchett said:

"There has been no change in Mike Trout’s activity. The three-time American League MVP said last week that he’s still unable to run with his full weight on a treadmill, which precludes any baseball activity."

Either he just doesn't heal as quickly as other folks these days or this was truly on the serious end of the spectrum in terms of how bad the damage was. 

His track record seems to suggest he’s a slow healer.

[BTH]

40 minutes ago, AngelsWin.com said:

Sandoval is not eligible for free agency until after the 2026 season. He’s arbitration-eligible for each of the next two seasons. The Angels could non-tender him or they could sign him to a multi-year deal at a discounted rate, in an effort to get some production following his rehab.

Very curious to see what they do.

On one hand, this is the type of deal a rebuilding team should explore.

On the other hand, Sandoval has been a frustrating pitcher and TJ rehab isn’t always smooth. (see: Means, John)

[Angel Oracle]

8 minutes ago, BTH said:

His track record seems to suggest he’s a slow healer.

And pretty much done playing even 100 games ever again

[Tank]

4 minutes ago, BTH said:

Very curious to see what they do.

On one hand, this is the type of deal a rebuilding team should explore.

On the other hand, Sandoval has been a frustrating pitcher and TJ rehab isn’t always smooth. (see: Means, John)

this is where they'll go out and find a lorenzen type pitcher (hi @Angels 1961 !) since it looks like silseth and detmers aren't yet where they want them to be.

or maybe they'll trade for new david fletcher or brett phillips. 

hey @cals , how's your slider looking these days? 

[Angel Oracle]

Focus on drafting Smith or Yesavage, and try to sign FA Kim and a solid enough FA OF after the season to take a remaining INF spot.

Acquire a GOOD pitching prospect for Anderson. 

Focus on pitching in the draft and for a change develop it well.   No more lack of pitching depth in the minors!!!!

And Burnes isn’t signing here.   It likely would be either re-signing with the O’s, or signing with his original home state Dodgers or new home state D-Backs.

Thanks for nothing after 2015, Moreno!!!!

Edited June 25 by Angel Oracle

[SoCalDucksFan]

For the Angels, when it rains, it's a Category 5 Hurricane.  This team really has become the definition of a Shakespeare Tragedy

[Blarg]

The Dodgers have as many players on the IL. And better players on that IL list. 

https://www.espn.com/mlb/team/injuries/_/name/lad/los-angeles-dodgers

[cgoldangel]

Trout must have had more work done on his knee than just taking out a part of his meniscus which is a very easy recovery. Most likely he had some work done on his cartilage as well which usually will make the rehabilitation 8-12 weeks.

[Blarg]

What do you know about meniscus surgery recovery time? 

[Angelsjunky]

Someone needs to have a hard talk with Trout, saying: "Look, Mike, at this point your choices are:

Play 40-80 games a year in center.

Play 50-100 games in left.

Play 80-130 games at DH."

 

[jsnpritchett]

47 minutes ago, Blarg said:

What do you know about meniscus surgery recovery time? 

He talked to the receptionist at Kerlan Jobe when he called to confirm their office hours.

[Dtwncbad]

14 hours ago, BTH said:

His track record seems to suggest he’s a slow healer.

Or that we are never getting the truth on injuries.

[T.G.]

These are the days of our lives...

[Dtwncbad]

“soft tissue contusion, day-to-day. . .”

[cgoldangel]

Well I have worked as a PT for 30 years so I’ve seen my share of meniscus injuries and surgeries