Patrick

Sandoval

It qualifies as a step in the right direction for Sandoval, who walked one batter during the abbreviated 16-pitch outing. The 29-year-old southpaw figures to be an option for Boston’s rotation in a couple weeks after building up his pitch count and stamina. He dealt with a biceps issue earlier this spring that slowed down his return timeline from Tommy John surgery.

He’s getting closer. Sandoval figures to spend at least a few starts here if the Red Sox plan to stretch him out. He progressed quickly from a live batting practice session this past Saturday, so Boston must have liked what they saw. If Sandoval continues to show his rehab is going well, he could eventually bump in to Boston’s big-league rotation, but there’s probably no need to stash him in most fantasy leagues at the moment.

Sandoval completed a 30-pitch bullpen session on Wednesday without any issues and should start ramping up his throwing progression later this week. The 29-year-old lefty was shut down with biceps tightness during his minor league rehab assignment last month. He’s been working his way back from Tommy John surgery that he underwent back in 2024. It doesn’t seem like he’s going to be an option for Boston’s rotation until sometime in the second half of the season.

Sandoval spent all offseason continuing his recovery from last year’s Tommy John surgery and made two rehab starts at Triple-A in April before being sidelined with biceps tightness. The left-hander is already throwing from 90 feet on flat ground and should return to the mound by the end of this week. Provided that goes well, he could face hitters next week and go back on a rehab assignment shortly after that.

It’s merely a procedural move as Sandoval won’t make it back to Boston’s rotation mix until at least late May. The 29-year-old has made two rehab starts for Triple-A Worcester this season as he continues working his way back from Tommy John surgery.

Sandoval felt some tightness in his biceps after his last rehab start in Triple-A, but the Red Sox don’t seem overly concerned about the injury. The current plan is to “hope a couple days of rest will do the trick,” so we’ll watch Sandoval’s next rehab start closely to see if there is any reason for concern.

That certainly doesn’t sound ideal. Sandoval gave up five runs over two innings during Tuesday’s minor league rehab start at Triple-A Worcester. The Red Sox should have an update on his status and a potential timeline for his return following that evaluation.

Sandoval threw just 30 of 59 pitches for strikes and issued four walks in the abbreviated outing. The 29-year-old southpaw will spend the next couple weeks rounding into form after missing all of last year recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Sandoval struck out three, issued three walks and threw 63 pitches (35 strikes) in his first game action since undergoing Tommy John surgery back in 2024. The 29-year-old southpaw will require an extensive ramp-up process over the next few weeks, but should be an option for Boston’s rotation mix at some point in May.

Sandoval is working his way back from elbow surgery that cost him the entire 2025 season. His velocity has been good in spring workouts, but he has yet to get into a game. With Johan Oviedo struggling, there is a path for Sandoval to emerge as a long reliever for the Red Sox after a few rehab appearances.