Red Sox Pitcher Sandoval Suffers Setback with Biceps Tightness

Sandoval's return to the mound delayed as team's pitching depth tested

Apr. 19, 2026 at 8:24pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball pitcher's motion, with sharp planes of muted earth tones representing the challenges the Red Sox face in maintaining a healthy and productive pitching staff.A cubist interpretation of a Red Sox pitcher's delivery, reflecting the team's fractured pitching depth as injuries continue to mount.Worcester Today

Boston Red Sox pitcher Patrick Sandoval has experienced another setback in his recovery, as he was pulled from a rehab start at Triple-A Worcester due to biceps tightness. Sandoval, who signed a two-year, $18.25 million deal with the Red Sox prior to the 2025 season, missed the entire year while recovering from Tommy John surgery. The left-hander's return to the mound has now been further delayed, adding to the team's pitching depth concerns.

Why it matters

The Red Sox have been dealing with pitching injuries and depth issues, and Sandoval's setback is another blow. As the team looks to compete in the AL East, having a healthy and productive Sandoval could be crucial to their success. The team's ability to navigate these pitching challenges will be key to their playoff aspirations.

The details

Sandoval was pulled from his rehab start with Triple-A Worcester on Sunday due to the biceps tightness. Red Sox manager Alex Cora said the team wants to 'check on him' to ensure everything is okay. This is the latest in a series of setbacks for Sandoval, who signed with the Red Sox in 2025 but missed the entire season recovering from Tommy John surgery. In his first rehab start last week, Sandoval struggled with his command and control, throwing 63 pitches over 3.1 innings with two errors, a walk, and two hits allowed.

  • Sandoval was pulled from his rehab start on Sunday, April 19, 2026 due to the biceps tightness.
  • Sandoval made his first rehab start last Wednesday, April 16, 2026.

The players

Patrick Sandoval

A left-handed pitcher who signed a two-year, $18.25 million deal with the Boston Red Sox prior to the 2025 season but missed the entire year while recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Alex Cora

The manager of the Boston Red Sox.

Payton Tolle

A left-handed pitcher who was called up to the Red Sox as a potential 27th man for a doubleheader in case of a rainout.

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What they’re saying

“'He felt some tightness in his day three, so he's here just to make sure everything is ok. I don't know what's next with him, but obviously they want to check on him.'”

— Alex Cora, Red Sox Manager

“After his last rehab start, Patrick Sandoval felt biceps tightness. He is back in Boston to be looked at.”

— Chris Cotillo

“'I'm happy I got into the fourth and got an out in the fourth. I like the way I pitched even with the stuff not being there and not being in the zone all that much. ... Even when they hit the ball, it wasn't necessarily hard contact. There was a lot of soft contact. There's a lot I can take away from that.'”

— Patrick Sandoval

What’s next

The Red Sox will evaluate Sandoval's condition and determine the next steps in his recovery process. The team may need to adjust their pitching plans if Sandoval's injury requires an extended absence.

The takeaway

Sandoval's latest setback is a frustrating development for the Red Sox, who were counting on the left-hander to bolster their pitching staff this season. The team's ability to navigate these types of injury challenges will be crucial as they look to compete in the tough AL East division.