Patrick Sandoval hasn’t thrown a pitch in an MLB game since 2024. He was with the Angels then. Now he’s a Red Sox, and it looks like Boston fans might finally see him on a big league mound sometime in July.
According to MLB.com, Sandoval is trending toward a return around that time. He’s been making rehab starts and the early reports are encouraging. The lefty is coming back from a biceps injury, which is always tricky for a pitcher. But so far, so good.
Sandoval’s Ups and Downs
Sandoval came up with the Angels in 2019 and showed real flashes. His 2022 season was the highlight — a 2.91 ERA over 27 starts, which had people talking about him as a legitimate mid-rotation arm. But 2023 was a struggle, and he only made 16 appearances in 2024 before the injury shut him down.
The Red Sox signed him this past offseason, expecting him to join a rotation that needed depth. Instead, he’s been rehabbing and hasn’t suited up for Boston yet. That changes soon, if everything stays on track.
(It’s worth noting the team hasn’t confirmed an exact date. These things can shift. But the signs are pointing in the right direction.)
Boston’s Season Is Falling Apart
The Red Sox are 29-42 heading into Thursday. That’s last place in the AL East. The team came into the 2026 season with real optimism, and it just hasn’t worked. They’re getting swept at home by the Blue Jays right now, trailing 2-0 in the three-game set.
Sandoval’s return might not change much. Boston is likely to sell at the trade deadline given their record. But if he comes back and pitches well, he could be an asset — either for a playoff push that looks increasingly unlikely, or as trade bait for a team that wants to buy.
The Red Sox try to avoid the sweep Thursday at 1:35 PM ET at Fenway. Sandoval won’t be there. But maybe by late July, he’ll finally be part of the picture.
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