The wait is over for both the Boston Red Sox and Patrick Sandoval. The left-hander has been activated from the injured list and will soon make his Red Sox debut.
Chris Cotillo of MassLive reports that Sandoval has been activated from the 60-day injured list. As the corresponding roster moves, left-hander Alec Gamboa has been optioned to Triple-A Worcester and right-hander Jack Anderson has been designated for assignment.
The timing of the move comes down to the rules regarding rehab assignments. Sandoval had used up the entire 30 days allotted, meaning the club had to make a move within 48 hours, per Cotillo.
Because of that, the club will have to roster the left-hander for two extra days instead of an extra reliever to use in their upcoming series against the Chicago White Sox.
Patrick Sandoval to Make Red Sox Debut on July 9
Cotillo also reports that Patrick Sandoval’s first start with Boston will come on Thursday, July 9, against the White Sox.
Patrick Sandoval’s last MLB start came on June 21, 2024. Back then, he was a member of the Los Angeles Angels. His start against Chicago will conclude a two-year journey to get back to an MLB rotation.
Sandoval’s return comes at a critical time for the Red Sox, whose rotation has been hit with recent injuries. They are already without Garrett Crochet at least through the All-Star break. Rookie left-hander Connelly Early suffered an elbow injury on June 30 and is on the 15-day injured list.
Additionally, All-Star left-hander Ranger Suarez suffered a groin injury, specifically the adductor muscles, in his last start. It’s unclear what the next steps will be for Suarez, though they’re likely to be revealed before their three-game series against the White Sox begins on July 7.
With a lot of uncertainty in their rotation, having the veteran lefty back is a huge boost. The Red Sox have picked it up of late, winning eight of their last 10 after a sweep of the Angels in Anaheim.
The recent injuries opened up a rotation spot for Sandoval to slot in. Due to the off-days on July 1 and July 6, Boston had some additional flexibility in lining up the left-hander for his Red Sox debut.
Patrick Sandoval’s Situation With the Red Sox
Sandoval has completed his rehab from Tommy John surgery, a process that’s taken more than two years to recover from. After the Los Angeles Angels non-tendered him following the 2024 season, the left-hander signed a two-year, $18.25 million contract with the Red Sox.
Originally, the left-hander was expected to return toward the end of 2025, but a couple of setbacks have delayed his Red Sox debut. The club took his recovery more cautiously in his first season, expecting him to be ready early in 2026.
A biceps injury that developed in his rehab back in April shut him down for a while, delaying the entire rehab process. He finally progressed enough to start his rehab assignment on June 5.
Assuming no further injuries, Sandoval will have about half a season’s worth of starts to build his profile. He’ll occupy Early’s rotation spot while the club figures out how long he’ll be shut down for.
The left-hander will become a free agent at the conclusion of the season. How well he pitches in the final three months will determine if he gets a major league or minor league deal in 2027.
Red Sox’s Patrick Sandoval to Make Team Debut After 2-Year Tommy John Recovery