Ex-Blue Jays pitcher's struggles keep him off Los Angeles Angels Opening Day roster
Photo credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
One former Toronto Blue Jay who won't find themselves on the Opening Day roster is Nick Sandlin, as the Los Angeles Angels reassigned the 29-year-old righty to their Minor League camp.
The Los Angeles Angels have sent former Toronto Blue Jays side armer Nick Sandlin to their Minor League camp, ruling the 29-year-old right-hander out of Opening Day plans.
Shaun Andersson, another ex-Blue Jay, was also optioned to the Minors.
The #Angels have optioned LHP Mitch Farris to Triple-A Salt Lake and reassigned RHP Shaun Anderson, RHP George Klassen, INF Trey Mancini, C Sebastián Rivero, INF Yolmer Sánchez, RHP Nick Sandlin and INF Donovan Walton to minor league camp.
Sandlin looking to overcome elbow issues, will ramp up progression in the minors.
Sandlin's time in Toronto was brief, appearing in just 19 games after being acquired in the trade that sent Andrés Giménez to the Jays.
When healthy, he showed promise as a middle reliever, posting a 2.20 ERA and 4.60 FIP over 16.1 innings. Injuries, however, limited him to just two stints on the injured list, the second of which ended his season.
After being outrighted in November 2025, Sandlin signed a minor league deal with the Angels in January 2026. Despite limited big-league experience, he has proven he can be effective out of the bullpen.
Sandlin is one of four former Blue Jays who could pitch for Los Angeles this season, joining Yusei Kikuchi, Alek Manoah, and Jordan Romano.
Kikuchi posted a 3.99 ERA in 178.1 innings last year, while Manoah and Romano, signed this offseason, are working to rebound after rough recent campaigns.
Manoah struggled in Spring Training, while Romano has been dominant, tossing five scoreless innings without a walk.
Sandlin has appeared in only two Cactus League games due to elbow issues.
He could get a call to the majors if injuries hit the Angels' bullpen during the season.
Also read on Blue Jays Central :
Toronto Blue Jays cut veteran right-hander ahead of Opening Day
Toronto Blue Jays cut veteran right-hander ahead of Opening Day
| POLL | ||
MARS 23|136 ANSWERS Ex-Blue Jays pitcher's struggles keep him off Los Angeles Angels Opening Day roster Do you think Nick Sandlin will ever fully recover from his elbow issues? | ||
| Yes | 29 | 21.3 % |
| No | 68 | 50 % |
| Too early to tell | 39 | 28.7 % |
| List of polls | ||