Craig Breslow Provides Major Injury Update on Key Offseason Acquisition
By Ryan Markham
In an offseason where the Red Sox have added Garrett Crochet, Walker Buehler and Aroldis Chapman to their pitching staff, an update on the status of newly-acquired southpaw Patrick Sandoval has surfaced, and the lefty will have to wait some time before making his debut for the Sox.
Craig Breslow says Patrick Sandoval is expected to return at some point in the second half of the season.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) December 30, 2024
Red Sox Targeting Second Half Return for Patrick Sandoval
This shouldn't come as a surprise to the Red Sox, as Sandoval tore his UCL in late June and Tommy John Surgery was required. In that start which Sandoval got hurt, he only made it a couple of innings before getting pulled against the Dodgers, where his line was as follows: 2.1IP, 2 hits allowed, 2 walks and 1 strikeout. This would be Sandovals last start for the Angels, and he posted a 2-8 record, a 5.08 ERA and 81 strikeous through 16 starts last season.
Given the offseason additions that Craig Breslow and the Sox made to their pitching staff, they shouldn't have to rush Sandoval back into action. This is a rotation that has now added Crochet and Buehler alongside the rising star Houck, Bello, Giolito and Crawford.
The Red Sox haven't had much depth in the rotation in recent seasons, but Breslow and company made it a priority this offseason. The hope is Sandoval will be back in time to give the Red Sox some solid innings during their playoff push, whether it be July, August or September, we aren't sure yet.
Another Red Sox contract note: Patrick Sandoval’s two-year, $18.25 million is pretty straightforward. He’ll earn $5.5 million next year and $12.75 million in 2026, as others reported.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) December 31, 2024
No incentives, options, etc.
Sandoval's injury will be something to monitor as the season goes along, as pitchers coming off Tommy John Surgery can tend to lose some velocity to their pitches. The bright side for the Sox is that Sandoval is still only 28 and will have all offseason to get acquitted to Boston and make progress in his rehab treatments.
The Red Sox's rotation hasn't been this deep in a few seasons, and waiting on Sandovals return shouldn't be as costly to the team as it would have been in previous years. As of right now, the Red Sox have Garrett Crochet, Walker Buehler, Tanner Houck, Brayan Bello, Lucas Giolito and Kutter Crawfod all ready to start for the team come Opening Day.
The Red Sox will open the season in Texas to play the Rangers, with Opening Day scheduled for Thursday, March 27.
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