Red Sox pitcher Sandoval cites foot blister for recent struggles

Boston Red Sox left-handed pitcher Patrick Sandoval has been managing a blister on his left foot for the majority of the 2026 season, a condition he recently linked to his performance struggles. Sandoval revealed to reporters that the injury has been a persistent issue, noting that it impacts his ability to push off the mound effectively and requires significant pain tolerance.

The disclosure came following a difficult start against the Pittsburgh Pirates, where Sandoval allowed seven runs on nine hits over 4.0 innings. He also walked three batters while striking out six. During the fourth inning of that game, a trainer visited the mound, underscoring the physical toll the injury has taken on the pitcher.

Sandoval told the Boston Globe that the blister has been present for much of the year. He described the situation as a matter of pain management, suggesting that the physical discomfort is a primary factor in his inability to execute his usual mechanics. The specific issue with his push-off on the mound may be contributing to the instability seen in his recent outings.

The Red Sox have faced significant injury challenges throughout the 2026 campaign, which have hampered their consistency at times. Analysts have noted that a fully healthy roster could have positioned Boston as an elite contender, potentially the best in Major League Baseball. However, the ongoing health issues of key players like Sandoval have complicated their path to sustained success.

Sandoval remains an important piece of the Red Sox roster, with the team working to return him to his previous performance levels. While the blister is not considered a major injury, its persistence raises concerns about his availability and effectiveness in the postseason. If the condition does not resolve, it could continue to affect his mechanics and the team's overall pitching depth during the critical months of the season.