Red Sox Pitcher Reaches Milestone in Return from Tommy John Surgery

Patrick Sandoval throws live batting practice for the first time since undergoing the procedure 602 days ago.

Feb. 14, 2026 at 8:39pm

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Red Sox left-hander Patrick Sandoval, who signed a two-year, $18.25 million contract with the team 14 months ago, reached a major milestone in his recovery from Tommy John surgery by throwing live batting practice for the first time in 602 days. Sandoval, now 29, is competing for a spot in the Red Sox's starting rotation this spring, though he acknowledged he could end up in the bullpen instead.

Why it matters

Sandoval's return from Tommy John surgery is an important development for the Red Sox, who are looking to bolster their pitching staff after a disappointing 2025 season. The left-hander's progress could provide a boost to the team's rotation depth as they aim to contend in the AL East.

The details

Sandoval underwent Tommy John surgery in mid-2024 and has been working his way back ever since. He thought he'd be able to contribute in the second half of the 2025 season but experienced arm fatigue that shut down his rehab. The Red Sox signed him to a backloaded two-year deal with the expectation that he'd miss a significant portion of the first year. Sandoval is now competing with several pitchers, including offseason additions Garrett Crochet, Ranger Suarez, Sonny Gray, and Brayan Bello, for a spot in the starting rotation.

  • Sandoval last faced hitters 602 days ago, prior to undergoing Tommy John surgery.
  • Sandoval signed his two-year, $18.25 million contract with the Red Sox 14 months ago.
  • Sandoval began ramping up his rehab again in November and reported to Red Sox spring training a month ago.

The players

Patrick Sandoval

A 29-year-old left-handed pitcher for the Boston Red Sox who is working his way back from Tommy John surgery.

Alex Cora

The manager of the Boston Red Sox.

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What they’re saying

“It's been forever.”

— Patrick Sandoval, Red Sox Pitcher

“I wouldn't say I have any set role here, and I'm happy to compete for a job, that's what we're here for. Especially with the guys we brought in and the room we have. It's the best staff in the league, and I'm honored to be part of it and honored to compete for a spot.”

— Patrick Sandoval, Red Sox Pitcher

“What Sandoval did today, that's impressive. That's good to see. For him to be in that spot, that caught my attention.”

— Alex Cora, Red Sox Manager

What’s next

Sandoval will continue to compete for a spot in the Red Sox's starting rotation this spring, with the team's first full-squad workout scheduled for Monday.

The takeaway

Sandoval's return from Tommy John surgery is a significant milestone for the Red Sox, who are looking to bolster their pitching staff after a disappointing 2025 season. His progress could provide a valuable boost to the team's rotation depth as they aim to contend in the AL East.