BOSTON — Red Sox starting pitcher Patrick Sandoval took his latest step toward returning from a torn ulnar collateral ligament, suffered last season.
Sandoval threw his second bullpen session at Fenway Park on Tuesday, which served as a continuation of the 28-year-old’s work ethic that’s caught the team’s attention. Red Sox manager Alex Cora claims Sandoval’s discipline is among the best in the clubhouse and that even when he’s not seen on the field throwing, the left-hander is constantly working toward returning in some way.
“The progress is a good one, and it’s not a coincidence,” Cora said before the Red Sox hosted the Mets. “This guy, he works. We talk about (Aroldis) Chapman, he’s up there with him as far as his work ethic. It’s amazing. We call him the ‘Machine.’ Every time you walk into the weight room, he’s there doing something. Him and (Masataka) Yoshi, they have a great relationship and I’m excited about him. I don’t know when we’re gonna have him. I don’t know if it’s gonna be this year or obviously next year, but the way he goes about it has been great.”
The Red Sox signed Sandoval to a two-year, $18.2 million contract in free agency this past offseason, knowing it would be a while until he’d officially become eligible to contribute. Sandoval underwent Tommy John surgery last summer, but Boston’s front office was still willing to go the extra mile to snag him off the market. Three years ago, Sandoval showed impressive flashes with the Los Angeles Angels and logged a career-best 2.91 ERA across 27 starts (148 1/2 innings) to showcase his potential. That’s what he’ll strive toward returning to and becoming as a member of the Red Sox.
“Just a good guy that is working hard,” Cora said. “It’s amazing to see.”
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Pitching depth was a premier focus this past offseason by chief baseball officer Craig Breslow and the organization’s brass. There isn’t a whole lot of weight on Sandoval’s shoulders to rush his comeback, considering additions like Garrett Crochet and Walker Buehler were made to stabilize the rotation. So far, it hasn’t gone as planned as Red Sox pitching ranks 17th with a 4.09 ERA, but that won’t impact how the team will approach Sandoval’s journey toward getting back to 100%.
Featured image via Chris Tilley/Imagn Images
