After injuring himself while throwing to former teammate Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Angels left-hander Patrick Sandoval needs season-ending surgery due to a damaged UCL in his pitching elbow.

Sandoval additionally has a high-grade flexor tear, Los Angeles reported on Monday. The 27-year-old started the Angels’ first 16 games, going 2-8 with a 5.08 ERA.

“The healing process is lengthy,” Sandoval remarked. “However, I’m going to return stronger.”

Following a walk to Ohtani in the third inning of Friday’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Sandoval departed the game. At Dodger Stadium, Sandoval threw his 34th and last pitch at 89.3 mph, which was 4.6 mph slower than his previous sinker.

With a grimace on his face, he stepped off the mound and gestured multiple times in the direction of the dugout. After going to the mound with manager Ron Washingtоn, pitching coach Barry Enright, and athletic trainer Matt Biancuzzo, Sandoval was taken out due to what the Angels reported at the time being discomfort in his left forearm.

Washingtоn stated, “It’s hard for him, especially him, because he was really, really starting to compete.” “Now that we know, he needs to have it fixed.”

In six major league seasons, Sandoval is 19-45 with a 4.01 ERA. He was born in the neighboring city of Mission Viejo and gets paid $5,025,000 this year.

After the 2024 and 2025 seasons, Sandoval will be eligible for arbitration; following the 2026 season, he could become a free agent.

“I enjoy being outside and having fun. It’s really too bad,” Sandoval remarked.