Red Sox’s Alex Cora Names Player To Watch After Impressive Day

The Boston Red Sox are preparing for the season after a very busy offseason. For pitcher Patrick Sandoval, that means getting ready to return to the big leagues after Tommy John surgery.

Sandoval missed all of last season after signing a two-year deal with the Red Sox in the offseason. He faced batters on Friday and looked great. He struck out three batters and touched 94 mph, per Peter Abraham of The Boston Globe.

His performance caught the eye of Alex Cora. Cora was asked by the Boston Herald’s Gabrielle Starr if there were any players who may be flying under the radar to keep an eye on, and he pointed out Sandoval.

“What Sandoval did today, that’s impressive. That’s good to see,” Cora said, per Starr on Friday. “… For him to be in that spot, that caught my attention.”

Sandoval is fighting for the fifth spot in the rotation, but noted that he is open to moving to the bullpen if the team needs him to.

“It’s not up to me. I’m a Red Sox, so I’ll do whatever they want me to do,” Sandoval said, per Starr. “… I’ve done it a couple times, but it would definitely be an adjustment.”

He has made 100 starts in his career, all for the Los Angeles Angels. He has a 4.01 career ERA, and coming off Tommy John surgery, his usage will need to be monitored. He obvioulsy has the background to be a starter, but will he be better than the Red Sox’s other options.

Garrett Crochet, Ranger Suárez, Sonny Gray and Brayan Bello are locks to be in the rotation. Connelly Early, Payton Tolle, Sandoval and Oviedo figure to be fighting for the final spot in the Red Sox rotation.