Sandoval expects emotions facing Astros

HOUSTON -- Patrick Sandoval spent a lot of years dreaming about walking to the mound at Minute Maid Park. He just didn’t dream of pitching against the Astros.

He was drafted by the Astros in 2015 and spent four seasons climbing the ladder through their Minor League system. He was reminded last summer that dreams have detours when the Astros traded him to the Angels for veteran catcher Martin Maldonado.

“It was a huge shock,” said Sandoval, who'll oppose Houston left-hander Wade Miley on Saturday at 4:10 p.m. PT, live on MLB.TV. “I did not expect it at all.”

That traded ended up being a great thing. Not only did he return to Southern California -- he grew up 20 minutes from Angel Stadium -- but his new team offered a fast track to the Major Leagues.

The 22-year-old left-hander made his Major League debut Aug. 5 in Cincinnati in a relief appearance. He has made seven starts since and has shown the Angels plenty as they plan for 2020.

He has a 2.87 ERA in his last four starts and is finishing the season on a 60-pitch (or thereabouts) limit. All in all, the experience has been everything both the Angels and Sandoval could have hoped for.

“I’ve been very impressed by him,” Angels manager Brad Ausmus said. “I like his stuff. I like the makeup. He’s probably also gotten to the big leagues quicker than we anticipated. He seems to have the stuff and the intangibles to pitch at this level and succeed.

“His stuff plays [at this level]. He’s got a very good changeup. The breaking ball is good but could be better. I think he could improve that. His fastball plays. He does little things like holding runners, good athlete.”

Sandoval said this two-month stint has shown him that he’s good enough to pitch in the Major Leagues. He still has plenty to learn, but that’s part of the process, too.

“Just that my stuff plays up here and the confidence that comes along with it,” he said. “You have a little bit of self-doubt when you first get up there. Can I really do it? Get through the first one, and it shows you can do it. It’s a big confidence booster for me.”

Now about pitching against the Astros. He played with Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker, third baseman Abraham Toro and catcher Garrett Stubbs. He knows plenty of others -- managers, coaches, players -- up and down the organizational ladder.

“There’s going to be some emotions,” he said. “I try not to take getting traded too personally, but they didn’t really want you. I’m sure that’ll fire me up a little bit.”