Los Angeles Angels manager Ron Washington has probably had to share a few bizarre updates with reporters during his 28 years as a coach and nine seasons as a Major League skipper. But the news he had to give to the media about infielder Miguel Sanó could be a career all-timer.
Before Sunday’s game with the Cleveland Guardians, Washington provided an update on Sanó, who has been sidelined since April 26 with a left knee infection. The veteran slugger began a minor league rehab assignment with the Angels’ Arizona Complex League team this past week.
According to Washington, Sanó’s timeline when he rejoined the Angels suffered an unusual setback. He told reporters that Sanó had suffered a burn to his left knee from leaving a heating pad on for too long
A new one: Miguel Sano has had a minor setback during his rehabilitation, which will delay him for a few days.
He left a heat pack on his knee for too long without padding and burned himself.
— Sam Blum (@SamBlum3) May 26, 2024
Further details, such as how long Sanó left the heating pad on or how high the temperature was on the device, were not provided. But not using the padding was probably his biggest mistake.
Washington said the complications could add a few days to Sanó’s recovery timeline. So the blunder is something the angels can laugh about later – or shake their heads about. Especially when you compare it to the much more serious injuries suffered by Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon.
Sanó signed a minor league deal with the Angels during spring training after missing the 2023 season with a cartilage problem in his left knee and an injured tibia. He reported to his camp in Tempe, Arizona, 60 pounds lighter than the year before.
In 21 games (71 at bats) this season, Sanó posted a .262 average and an OPS of .713 with three doubles, one home run and five RBI. Defensively, he plays third base, first base and design hitter.
The Angels entered Sunday’s game with a 20-32 record, which puts them in last place in the AL West.
