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Red Sox reclamation project Patrick Sandoval could soon make long-awaited MLB return originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Even with a tumultuous season, the Boston Red Sox have gotten one thing right: their pitching. Their starting rotation is arguably the best in the MLB, and their bullpen is one of the best.
However, as of recently, the Red Sox’s rotation has been hit with a little bit of an injury bug. They’ve lost their ace, Garrett Crochet, long-term and Ranger Suarez and Connelly Early short-term.
With the rotation a bit battered, it seems Boston is ready to call-up their reclamation project in veteran lefty Patrick Sandoval, who has been rehabbing in the minors from Tommy John surgery.
Sandoval was a solid starter for the Angels
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Before Sandoval signed with Boston, he was a starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels for six seasons. There, he had a career 19-45 record, a 4.01 ERA, 529 Ks, and a WHIP of 1.392 over 107 starts. While on paper this doesn't look good, keep in mind, he was playing for the Angels, who have not been contenders for over 20 years.
His best seasons were in 2022 and 2023, where he had a 2.91 ERA, 151 Ks, and a WHIP of 1.339, and a 4.11 ERA, 128 Ks, and a WHIP of 1.514 respectively. Then, in 2024, he went down with Tommy John Surgery after just 16 starts.
Sandoval’s rehab with Boston has been decent
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Sandoval signed a two-year deal with Boston, and spent the first year, last season, sitting out due to his surgery. He started his true rehab this year, by pitching in the minors.
He played two games at AA Portland, where he posted a 1.13 ERA, 11 Ks and a WHIP of 0.500 over eight innings. He then moved to AAA Worcester, where in six starts, he posted an 0-2 record, a 4.60 ERA, 11 Ks, and a WHIP of 1.596 over 15 innings pitched.
It was a little rocky in AAA, but Sandoval has proven he is an MLB pitcher by having six major league seasons under his belt; with that in mind, those AAA starts could be chalked up to bad luck.
Sandoval’s future is pretty clear
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Right now, Sandoval has a clear spot in the rotation due to injuries. However, as soon as they get back to full health, his spot is gone.
With both that and the fact his contract is up at the end of the season in mind, using these spot starts as a way to boost his value before the trade deadline is probably the smartest thing to do. Hopefully, Sandoval does well, and Boston can get a good return when they sell him.
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