Sandoval is starting Saturday's game against the Athletics.

EDGE Analysis

The 24-year-old southpaw is a starter by trade, but he has also worked out of the bullpen at times for the Angels over the last three seasons. Through 63.2 career innings as a big-league starter, Sandoval has a 5.80 ERA, 1.49 WHIP and 54:29 K:BB -- his 4.18 ERA and 31 strikeouts in 23.2 innings as a reliever are more promising. The Angels have been working with a six-man rotation all season, and Sandoval represents a seventh starting option, so it is unclear if this outing will just buy everyone else some extra rest or if he has a shot at displacing someone else in the rotation.

Sandoval allowed two runs on six hits and a walk over four innings in Monday's win over Cleveland. He struck out two and did not factor in the decision.

EDGE Analysis

Sandoval got off to a rough start, serving up a solo homer to Cesar Hernandez on the first pitch of the game. He later coughed up an RBI single to Jose Ramirez in the third. The 6-foot-3 southpaw is sporting a 5.56 ERA across 11.1 frames this season. Sandoval could move back to the bullpen before he gets another chance at starting.

Sandoval will start for the Angels against Cleveland on Monday, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The southpaw will take the ball as a starter for the first time in 2021 with Alex Cobb still battling a blister issue. Andrew Heaney and Shohei Ohtani will follow Sandoval on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively. Sandoval's longest outing in the majors this year is 3.1 innings, so it's a long shot to think he could factor into the decision Monday.

Sandoval pitched the final 3.1 innings of the game to earn the save, allowing one earned run on two hits and two walks while striking out three in the win over the Dodgers on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Sandoval picked up the unusual three-inning save in the blowout win over the Dodgers. It's his first save of the season as he doesn't pitch in normal save situations. His only run allowed came on a ninth-inning home run by Mookie Betts. The 24-year-old has eaten multiple innings in two appearances since getting called up on May 3.

Sandoval was recalled Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Sandoval will take the roster spot of Mike Mayers, who was placed on the injured list Monday for an unspecified reason. Sandoval has yet to see any big-league action this season after failing to earn a spot on the Opening Day roster.

Sandoval was optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake by the Angels on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

The 24-year-old was competing for a bullpen spot but was unable to show enough during spring training to earn the role. Sandoval had a 5.65 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 33:12 K:BB over 36.2 innings last season for the Angels.

Sandoval is among a group of pitchers vying for a spot on the Opening Day roster in a relief role, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Angels are dealing with a number of injury concerns in the bullpen, potentially opening the door for Sandoval -- or another pitcher currently on the roster bubble -- to secure a spot on the Opening Day roster. Sandoval has been used as a starter in 15 of his 19 big-league appearances, but with the team's starting rotation essentially set, his best path to major-league innings early in the campaign is likely out of the bullpen. Sandoval has struggled with his control this spring, yielding eight walks in 10 innings, but he has also struck out 13 and given up only five hits.

Sandoval is being stretched out as a starter during spring training, but he is also being considered for a big-league bullpen role, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Sandoval has looked superb in Cactus League play thus far, throwing six scoreless innings and racking up nine strikeouts. However, there may not be room in the rotation for the left-hander, even with manager Joe Maddon committed to a six-man starting staff. Should Sandoval break camp with the club, he could function as a multiple-inning relief option with the ability to step into the rotation if the need arises. He could also start off the campaign logging innings in the minors, though Sandoval seems to be reducing the likelihood of that scenario with his strong start this spring.

Sandoval suffered a left calf strain during Sunday's start against the Dodgers.

EDGE Analysis

Sandoval only lasted 2.2 innings during his final start of the regular season before being removed with his injury. Barring any setbacks, the injury is unlikely to impact the southpaw's availability for spring training.

Sandoval exited Sunday's start against the Dodgers with an apparent right leg injury, Maria Torres of the Los Angeles Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

The left-hander appeared to hurt his right leg during the third inning and was removed while in line for the loss after allowing three runs (two earned) on one hit with three strikeouts and three walks over 2.2 innings. Barring a serious injury, Sandoval should have plenty of time to recover before spring training.