In news that came as a surprise to everyone it looks like Panlo Sandoval is injured and his shoulder is “pretty bad” according to the Red Sox. It’s unclear if surgery is needed or what type of injury he has, but expect this to end the trade talk involving Pablo for the foreseeable future.
BOSTON, MA – JUNE 16: Pablo Sandoval #48 of the Boston Red Sox reacts after scoring in the sixth against the Atlanta Braves at Fenway Park on June 16, 2015 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
This news also might give the Red Sox and Sandoval a chance to make a new opportunity. Now that comes down to Boston sticking to the demands that he lose weight, but if he can get healthy and lose some weight maybe they give him a shot when he’s ready.
I wouldn’t bet my money on it and the likely result is a trade where the team eats most of his contract, but we’ve been wrong on how real this injury is so maybe Sandoval could prove us wrong again. He isn’t going to walk back from this DL stint looking like Mookie Betts, but even a drop of 5-10 pounds depending on the length of the DL stint is a sign of effort. At this point that’s all the Red Sox seem to be asking.