Miguel Sano's heating pad mistake could be MLB's most embarrassing injury of 2024

Los Angeles Angels manager Ron Washington has probably had to share some bizarre news with reporters during his 28 years as a manager and nine seasons as a major league captain. But the news he's had to share with the media about infielder Miguel Sanó may be some of the biggest of his career.

Before Sunday's game against the Cleveland Guardians, Washington provided an update on Sano, who has been out since April 26 with inflammation in his left knee. The veteran hitter began minor league rehab training with the Angels' Arizona Complex League team last week.

Sanó's timetable for returning to the Angels was affected by an unusual setback, according to Washington, who told reporters that Sanó suffered a burn on his left knee from leaving a heating pad on for too long.

Further details, such as how long Sanó left the heating pad on or what the temperature on the device was, were not given. But not using the pad was probably his biggest mistake.

Washington said the complications could add a few days to Sano's recovery time, so the blunder is something the Angels can laugh about – or shake their heads – later, especially compared to the far more serious injuries Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon are battling.

Sanó signed a minor league contract with the Angels in spring training after missing the 2023 season due to a cartilage problem in his left knee and a shin injury. He arrived at training camp in Tempe, Arizona, 60 pounds lighter than he was the year before.

In 21 games (71 at-bats) this season, Sanó has a .262 batting average and a .713 OPS with three doubles, one home run and five RBIs. Defensively, he has played third base, first base and as a designated hitter.

The Angels entered Sunday's game with a record of 20-32, putting them in last place in the AL West.