Patrick Sandoval Faces Batters, Eyes Red Sox Rotation Spot After Tommy John Surgery

After a significant setback due to injury, Boston Red Sox pitcher Patrick Sandoval is making encouraging progress in his return to the mound. The 29-year-old left-hander faced batters for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery on February 13, 2026, marking a crucial milestone in his rehabilitation.

Sandoval signed a two-year, $18.25 million contract with the Red Sox in December 2024, but was sidelined for the entirety of the 2025 season following the surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament sustained during his final season with the Los Angeles Angels. His absence created a void in the Red Sox pitching staff, but his return offers a potential boost to the team’s depth.

During Friday’s session, Sandoval struck out three of the five batters he faced, reaching a velocity of 94 mph with his pitches. He described the outing as a significant step forward, expressing a renewed sense of belonging after a year focused on individual rehabilitation. “Sandoval said today was a milestone in his return. Felt like part of a team again after rehabbing last year,” reported Peter Abraham of The Boston Globe.

Prior to his injury, Sandoval demonstrated considerable potential as a starting pitcher. In 2022, he posted a 6-9 record with a 2.91 ERA, a 1.33 WHIP and 151 strikeouts across 148 2/3 innings pitched in 27 starts. While his performance dipped in 2023 (7-13, 4.11 ERA, 1.51 WHIP in a career-high 28 starts) and was limited to 16 starts in 2024 before the injury, his past success suggests he could be a valuable asset to the Red Sox rotation.

The Red Sox currently boast a strong starting rotation, headlined by reigning American League Cy Young runner-up Garrett Crochet, along with recent acquisitions Ranger Suarez and Sonny Gray. Brayan Bello is expected to fill the fourth spot. Sandoval is now competing for the final rotation slot alongside pitchers such as Johan Oviedo, Connelly Early, and Payton Tolle.

However, the team is also considering utilizing Sandoval out of the bullpen. According to Tim Healey of The Boston Globe, Sandoval has expressed a willingness to accept whatever role the team deems best. “He is competing for the No. 5 spot in the rotation. Regarding a potential move to the bullpen, he said he’ll ‘do whatever they want me to do,’” Healey reported. This flexibility could prove valuable for the Red Sox, allowing them to leverage Sandoval’s abilities in a variety of situations.

The Red Sox’s willingness to explore bullpen options highlights the depth of their pitching staff. The team reportedly is open to using depth starters in relief roles, a strategy that could provide added stability and versatility throughout the season. Sandoval’s ability to serve as either a long reliever or a spot starter makes him a particularly attractive option in this regard.

Sandoval retains one option remaining on his contract, providing the Red Sox with further flexibility in managing his role. The team’s significant investment of $18.25 million in the pitcher underscores their confidence in his potential contribution. While the road to recovery has been challenging, Sandoval’s recent progress suggests he is on track to make a meaningful impact for the Red Sox in the 2026 season.

His return represents not only a personal triumph over injury but also a potential strengthening of the Red Sox pitching corps, offering manager Stephen Vogt additional options as he navigates the demands of a long and competitive season. The coming weeks of spring training will be crucial in determining Sandoval’s ultimate role, but his initial steps back onto the mound have been undeniably positive.