Angels Manager Ron Washington Shares Unusual Update on Infielder Miguel Sanó’s Recovery: Knee Burn Delays Return to Team

Los Angeles Angels manager Ron Washington has had to share some unique updates with reporters during his 28 years as a coach and nine seasons as a major league skipper. However, the news he had to deliver regarding infielder Miguel Sanó may top the list of bizarre updates in his career. Sanó, who has been sidelined with left knee inflammation since April 26, began a minor league rehab assignment with the Angels’ Arizona Complex League team.

Prior to Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Guardians, Washington provided an update on Sanó’s recovery. He revealed that Sanó encountered an unexpected setback in his timeline to rejoin the team. According to Washington, Sanó had left a heating pad on his knee for too long without padding, resulting in a burn on his left knee. Details about how long the heating pad was left on or the temperature of the device were not disclosed.

Washington mentioned that the complications from the burn might delay Sanó’s recovery by a couple of days. Despite the setback, the Angels can view it as a humorous moment or a head-shaking incident compared to the more serious injuries suffered by teammates Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon. Sanó signed a minor league deal with the Angels in spring training after missing the 2023 season with knee and tibia injuries.

In 21 games this season, Sanó has posted a .262 batting average and .713 OPS with three doubles, one home run, and five RBI. He has contributed defensively at third base, first base, and designated hitter for the Angels. With a 20–32 record going into Sunday’s game, the Angels are currently sitting in last place in the AL West.