Red Sox Get Encouraging Updates on Injured Pitchers

Sandoval signed with Boston in December of 2024 on a two-year, $18.25 million contract but has yet to pitch for the team. Coming off of season-ending UCL surgery in June of that year, the Red Sox's hope was that he would be able to contribute as a depth starter in 2026 after rehabbing with the team in 2025.

The 29-year-old left-hander began a rehab assignment at the start of April but reported bicep tightness after his second appearance. Before the setback, Sandoval pitched just 5.1 innings and allowed six hits and five earned runs while issuing seven walks to just four strikeouts and hitting three batters.

Boston's approach to the offseason seemed to center around building a wealth of strong pitching options coming in the form of high-end starters, veteran swingmen, and young prospects. This depth was taxed immediately on the season's start, as potential bullpen or rotation options Sandoval, Johan Oviedo and Kutter Crawford have all been unavailable, while Garrett Crochet, Sonny Gray, and Ranger Suarez have all missed starts.

Tracy provided an update on Crawford as well, which was not as promising. He revealed that they are scaling back the right-hander after he experienced "moderate" forearm tightness. Like Sandoval, Crawford missed all of 2025 (knee, wrist) and has spent all of 2026 on the injured list as he continues fight through setbacks and try to ramp back up for a return.

While the rotation remains strong with the help of precocious left-handers Payton Tolle (2.61 ERA) and Connelly Early (2.95), the health of Sandoval and Crawford could be a massive boost for the club moving forward if they look to expend some of their pitching resources in the commonly discussed trade for a right-handed bat.