Patrick Sandoval
Breakdown
Performance
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July 9, 2026
Encouraging results in season debut
Sandoval took a no-decision Thursday against the White Sox, allowing one run on five hits and one walk in 4.1 innings. He struck out five.
Analysis
Making his season debut for the Red Sox, Sandoval fared well in what also was his first big-league appearance since 2024 following a lengthy recovery from internal brace surgery and several setbacks. The 29-year-old southpaw threw 41 of his 65 pitches for strikes, but he couldn't quite get through the fifth inning as his control began to wane, tossing a wild pitch during the frame. Connelly Early (elbow) and Ranger Suarez (groin) could both be back shortly after the All-Star break, which would likely force Sandoval into a bullpen role.
July 8, 2026
Slated to start Thursday
Sandoval (biceps) is scheduled to start Thursday's game against the White Sox in Chicago, Sean McAdam of MassLive.com reports.
Analysis
The Red Sox brought Sandoval back from the 60-day injured list Monday, but he'll end up waiting for a few days before making his first big-league appearance since June 21, 2024, after enduring a lengthy recovery from internal brace surgery and multiple arm-related setbacks. Sandoval was sharp over the course of his six-start minor-league rehab assignment, generating a 1.96 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 18:6 K:BB across 18.1 innings between four outings with Triple-A Worcester and two with Double-A Portland. The southpaw built up to 68 pitches in his final rehab start over the weekend, so he could have a light workload restriction in place while he slots into the spot in the Boston rotation that previously belonged to Connelly Early (elbow), who was moved to the IL last week.
July 6, 2026
Returns from IL, will make start
The Red Sox reinstated Sandoval (biceps) from the 60-day injured list Monday.
Analysis
Sandoval is on the cusp of making his first appearance in the big leagues since June 21, 2024, as his recovery from internal brace surgery on his elbow and related setbacks had extended his stay on the shelf for more than two weeks. He's expected to make his Red Sox debut Thursday against the White Sox, either as a starter or bulk reliever, per Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. The left-hander ran his pitch count up to 68 in his final rehab start with Double-A Portland on Saturday, so he could be operating with a bit of a workload restriction Thursday.
July 5, 2026
Makes final rehab start
Sandoval (biceps) allowed one hit and one walk while striking out seven over five scoreless innings for Double-A Portland on Saturday.
Analysis
Sandoval got up to 68 pitches (43 strikes) and, per MLB.com, the Red Sox anticipate him joining the rotation for their final series before the All-Star break. The left-hander is expected to fill in for injured starter Connelly Early (elbow) for at least one start.
