Patrick Sandoval exits start vs. Dodgers with left forearm tightness

LOS ANGELES — It was a win in extra innings against the rival Dodgers on Friday, but it came at a cost, with left-hander Patrick Sandoval exiting the game due to injury in the third inning.

Taylor Ward was the hero with a go-ahead RBI single with two outs in the 10th inning of a 3-2 victory at Dodger Stadium, but it was marred by Sandoval’s injury. The left-hander’s frustrating season continued, as he left the game in the third inning with left forearm tightness after walking Ohtani on seven pitches.

Sandoval immediately signaled to the dugout after throwing an 89 mph sinker out of the zone and was met at the mound by manager Ron Washington and trainer Matt Biancuzzo. He shook his elbow and forearm area as he walked off the field and was replaced by right-hander Hunter Strickland. Sandoval, who threw 2 1/3 scoreless innings and 34 pitches before leaving with the injury, is set to undergo further testing on his forearm and elbow.

He hasn’t had elbow issues in the past, as the only major ailment he’s suffered since making his Major League debut in 2019 was a season-ending lower back injury in August 2021. But he’s otherwise been durable, making 27 starts in ’22 and 28 starts in ’23 as part of a six-man rotation.

Sandoval was the club’s Opening Day starter this year but struggled throughout late March and April, posting a 6.33 ERA through his first six starts. But he had been pitching better recently, posting a 4.44 ERA over his last 10 starts, dating back to May 1, and a 3.96 ERA over his last five outings going back to May 30. Altogether, he’s gone 2-8 with a 5.08 ERA and 81 strikeouts and 35 walks in 79 2/3 innings over 16 starts.