Angels News: Patrick Sandoval Reflects on Facing Former High School Teammate

The Angels southpaw faced his former HS teammate Tanner Bibee this past weekend

The Los Angeles Angels dropped the series finale on Sunday against the Cleveland Guardians with their southpaw Patrick Sandoval on the mound. Sandoval went 7.2 innings deep and looked good through most of his start. The pitcher the Guardians had on the mound, Tanner Bibee, was making his fourth start of the season and is familiar with Sandoval's talent.  

Both were born in Mission Viejo, California, 22 miles from Angels Stadium and attended the same high school at the same time, and were former teammates. Patrick and Tanner attended Mission Viejo High School while being two years apart. Bibee, a sophomore, and Sandoval, a senior, helped lead their high school to a CIF championship in 2015. 

Sandoval spoke to the media earlier this week to discuss his relationship with Tanner and how it's grown in their time in the majors together. 

“Just talking about pro ball and stuff like that,” Sandoval said earlier this week. “He’ll ask me stuff about preparation and recovery. It’s cool to see someone grow into what he is now. It’s awesome.”

Patrick also discussed how his former teammate grew into his own after leaving high school. 

“I thought he’d be a really good college sign,” said Sandoval. “He was short and didn’t really have a projectable arm. He threw slow but just knew how to pitch. He just didn’t have the frame. And then puberty hit, and it hit him well. He’s a stud, obviously.”

The Houston Astros drafted the Halos southpaw in 2015, while the Guardians pitcher went on to play for Cal State Fullerton and was drafted by Cleveland in 2021. 

The two are now living the dream while helping each other become the best versions of themselves at the highest level of their profession. The Orange County boys showed up and showed out in their outings on Sunday, and although the Halos came out on the wrong end of it, it was a great pitching duel.