The wait is over for both the Boston Red Sox and Patrick Sandoval. The left-hander has been activated from the injured list and will soon make his Red Sox debut.
Chris Cotillo of MassLive reports that Sandoval has been activated from the 60-day injured list. As the corresponding roster moves, left-hander Alec Gamboa has been optioned to Triple-A Worcester and right-hander Jack Anderson has been designated for assignment.
Sandoval has completed his rehab from Tommy John surgery, a process that’s taken more than two years to recover from. He signed a two-year contract with the Red Sox before the 2025 season, anticipating he’d return this season.
The timing of the move comes down to the rules regarding rehab assignments. Sandoval had used up the entire 30 days allotted, meaning the club had to make a move within 48 hours, per Cotillo. Because of that, the club will have to roster the left-hander for two days before his first start of the season.
Patrick Sandoval to Make Red Sox Debut on July 9
His last MLB start came on June 21, 2024. Cotillo also reports the left-hander’s first start with Boston will come on Thursday, July 9, against the Chicago White Sox.
Sandoval’s return comes at a critical time for the Red Sox. They are already without Garrett Crochet at least through the All-Star break. Rookie left-hander Connelly Early suffered an elbow injury on June 30 and is on the injured list.
Early’s injury opened up a rotation spot for Sandoval. Due to an off day on July 6, that gave Boston some flexibility in setting up the left-hander for his Red Sox debut.
Assuming no further injuries, Sandoval will have about half a season’s worth of starts to build his profile. The left-hander will become a free agent at the conclusion of the season.
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