More than two years after his last Major League start, Patrick Sandoval finally returned to the mound on Thursday afternoon.
Facing the Chicago White Sox at Rate Field, Sandoval's Boston Red Sox debut went off without a hitch. The 29-year-old lefty held the White Sox to one run on five hits and one walk over 4 1/3 innings, striking out five while throwing 41 of his 65 pitches for strikes.
Sandoval's gem helped the Red Sox beat Chicago 2-1 in the series finale and win their sixth straight game.
Nice showing from LHP Patrick Sandoval yesterday against the White Sox in what was his first MLB outing since June 2024:
— G.G. (@ggeiss_mlb) July 10, 2026
4.1 IP, 5 H, 1 BB, 1 ER, 5 K
• 6 whiffs (21%)
• 28% CSW
FF sat a hair up and topped out at 96.1 mph, generating a massive 57% chase rate. CH was elite, as… pic.twitter.com/fs6HFE64zg
It was Sandoval's first MLB start since June 21, 2024, when he was with the Los Angeles Angels. He signed a two-year deal with Boston the following offseason but missed all of 2025 recovering from Tommy John surgery.
He endured numerous setbacks as well, further delaying his recovery. However, he was finally able to contribute to the Red Sox on Thursday, and he didn't disappoint.
Sandoval's return couldn't come at a better time for Boston, which recently lost Connelly Early and Ranger Suarez to the injured list and is still without Garrett Crochet. If Sandoval stays healthy, he could provide a big boost for the Red Sox in the second half as they try to get back in the playoff race.