Los Angeles Angels infielder Miguel Sano has added an unusual twist to his injury woes, suffering a burn while using a heating pad during rehab for a left knee inflammation. The bizarre incident has further hampered Sano's recovery and raised questions about the Angels' injury-plagued season.
Los Angeles Angels infielder Miguel Sano has found himself in an unexpected predicament, adding a heating pad burn to his list of injuries while rehabbing a knee injury. The bizarre incident has further hampered Sano's return to the field and raises concerns about the Angels' injury-riddled season.
Sano has been sidelined since April 28 due to left knee inflammation, but his rehab assignment in the Arizona Complex League took an unusual turn when he left a heating pad on his leg for too long, resulting in a burn. While not considered serious, the burn has significantly impacted Sano's recovery.
Angels manager Ron Washington revealed the unusual injury during a recent interview, stating that Sano had been using a heating pad to alleviate knee pain. However, Sano inadvertently left the heating pad on for an extended period, causing the burn.
The burn has prevented Sano from participating in game action since Wednesday and Thursday, when he made brief appearances in rehab games. He had gone 1-for-2 in his first two games, including a double in the second one.
Sano's initial knee injury came at a time when he was finding his footing at the plate. Through 29 games, he had recorded a .262 batting average with one home run and five RBIs. He had shown flashes of his power potential, a skill that made him one of the most feared hitters in the game during his time with the Minnesota Twins.
However, Sano's career has been marred by injuries, particularly from 2018 to 2022. He played just 93 games in 2022 and remained unsigned for the 2023 season due to his injury history.
The latest setback for Sano compounds the Angels' injury woes. Star outfielder Mike Trout has been sidelined with a torn meniscus after playing in just 29 games. Trout was also on a power surge, hitting 10 home runs before his injury.
The Angels' injury-riddled season has contributed to their dismal 20-33 record, which is the second-worst in the American League. The team is on pace to finish with a 61-101 record, a disappointing outcome for a franchise that has high expectations.
Sano's burn is a reminder of the challenges that teams face when dealing with injuries. While not as severe as other injuries, the burn has nevertheless impacted Sano's recovery and raised questions about the Angels' ability to stay healthy and competitive.
