Patrick Sandoval Activated By Red Sox After Long Journey Back

[Steve Drumwright]

 

After a long wait, Patrick Sandoval is finally joining the Boston Red Sox.

The left-handed starter was activated Monday by the Red Sox off the 60-day injured list as he returns from Tommy John surgery and left biceps discomfort. To make room for Sandoval on the 26-man and 40-man rosters, left-handed reliever Alec Gamboa was optioned to Triple-A Worcester and right-hander Jack Anderson was designated for assignment.

Sandoval underwent Tommy John surgery during the 2024 season with the Los Angeles Angels, with his comeback delayed with the biceps issue. Sandoval signed with the Red Sox after the 2024 season with an eye on making it back for Opening Day this year. He made eight rehab appearances, pitching 23⅔ innings and putting up a 3.42 ERA with 13 walks and 22 strikeouts.

Sandoval has a 3.96 career FIP (4.01 ERA) with a 9.9% walk rate and 22.9% strikeout rate.

Gamboa has appeared in four games with the Red Sox this season, including making his MLB debut May 5. In five innings, he has allowed two runs on three hits, including a homer, with four walks and four strikeouts.

Anderson made his MLB debut in April, pitching in three games and covering eight innings. He walked two and struck out six, while giving up one run on eight hits. He has a 4.81 ERA in 16 games (11 starts) at Triple-A this year.

 

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[moonslav59]

He started yesterday, so why activate him today? Just wait 3-4 more days.

I know we have a day off, but still...

[moonslav59]

From 2021 to 2022, Sandoval was a decent pitcher. That was a long time ago, but he's still south of 30 years old.

2021-2022: 236 IP (245 Ks & 96 BB)

3.17 ERA (132 ERA+) 3.44 FIP

He had a 3.04 ERA/3.20 FIP and the 22nd best pitching fWAR from May 26, 2021 to the end of 2022. His 74 ERA- was ranked 21st.

I doubt he turns into that pitcher after such a short rehab, but maybe he can give us a nice boost.

$18M for this guy!