Bold opening: The Red Sox just highlighted a surprise contender who could reshape their rotation—and you’ll want to know why.
The Boston Red Sox have been all over a productive off-season, and one name stands out as a potential swing factor: Patrick Sandoval. After missing the entire previous season while recovering from Tommy John surgery, Sandoval is back to the mound, gearing up for a return to the big leagues.
Sandoval recently faced live hitters on Friday and delivered an encouraging performance. He struck out three batters and reached 94 mph, a showing that drew praise from observers and specifically caught the attention of Red Sox manager Alex Cora.
During an interview with the Boston Herald’s Gabrielle Starr, Cora was asked whether there are under-the-radar players worth watching, and he immediately pointed to Sandoval. “What Sandoval did today, that’s impressive. That’s good to see,” Cora said. “For him to be in that spot, that caught my attention.”
Sandoval is competing for the fifth spot in the rotation. He has suggested he’s flexible about roles, noting he would be willing to move to the bullpen if that’s what the team needs. “It’s not up to me. I’m a Red Sox, so I’ll do whatever they want me to do,” he told Starr. “I’ve done it a couple times, but it would definitely be an adjustment.”
Across Major League Baseball, Sandoval has a track record of starting, having made 100 career starts with the Los Angeles Angels. His lifetime ERA sits around 4.01, and his return from elbow surgery will require careful monitoring of workload and performance. He clearly has starter experience, but the question remains: can he outperform the Red Sox’s other rotation options?
Among the candidates for the remaining rotation slot, several names are widely regarded as locks: Garrett Crochet, Ranger Suárez, Sonny Gray, and Brayan Bello. The final seat is expected to come down to Connelly Early, Payton Tolle, Sandoval, andOviedo, each vying for the last open spot in the Sox’s rotation.
Author note: Photo credit for the featured image goes to Chris Tilley/Imagn Images.
Would you side with Cora on keeping Sandoval stretched for a starting role, or do you think his best contribution will come from bullpen flexibility? Share your thoughts in the comments.
