Red Sox pitcher makes first start since elbow surgery in rehab stint

Worcester Red Sox manager discusses pitcher's return to the mound

Apr. 8, 2026 at 10:11pm

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An abstract, cubist-style painting depicting the motion of a baseball pitcher, with their form broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes of color.A fractured, cubist-inspired illustration captures the raw energy and motion of a pitcher's return to the mound after a long injury layoff.Worcester Today

Patrick Sandoval, a pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, made his first professional start in 656 days during a rehab stint with the Worcester Red Sox. Worcester Red Sox manager Chad Tracy discussed Sandoval's return to the mound on the 'Cassell's Corner Podcast'.

Why it matters

Sandoval's return to the mound after elbow surgery is an important milestone in his recovery and a positive sign for the Red Sox as they look to bolster their pitching staff for the upcoming season. The Worcester Red Sox, the minor league affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, play a key role in developing young talent.

The details

Patrick Sandoval, a pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, made his first professional start in 656 days during a rehab stint with the Worcester Red Sox. Sandoval had been sidelined due to elbow surgery, and his return to the mound is a significant step in his recovery process.

  • Sandoval threw his first professional pitch in 656 days.

The players

Patrick Sandoval

A pitcher for the Boston Red Sox who is returning to the mound after elbow surgery.

Chad Tracy

The manager of the Worcester Red Sox, the minor league affiliate of the Boston Red Sox.

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What they’re saying

“It was really good to be out there,”

— Patrick Sandoval

What’s next

Sandoval will continue his rehab stint with the Worcester Red Sox as he works to regain his form and earn a spot on the Boston Red Sox roster.

The takeaway

Sandoval's return to the mound after a long injury layoff is a positive sign for the Red Sox, who are looking to bolster their pitching staff for the upcoming season. The Worcester Red Sox, as the minor league affiliate, play a crucial role in developing young talent like Sandoval.