Red Sox manager John Farrell says third baseman Pablo Sandoval is “well ahead of schedule” in his rehab and could potentially be an option for the Red Sox next month, as Brian MacPherson of the Providence Journal reports (Twitter links). Farrell seems to be suggesting that the Sox would likely treat Sandoval as an option only in the case of an injury to another player, such as current third baseman Travis Shaw.
In May, Sandoval had shoulder surgery and appeared likely to be out for the season. Since then, though, he’s reportedly lost 22 pounds, as WEEI’s Rob Bradford tweeted last month. Sandoval is currently playing DH in Red Sox instructs.
Sandoval, of course, had a miserable first season in Boston in 2015, batting just .245/.292/.366 while also struggling defensively. This year, he’s collected just seven plate appearances and doesn’t have a hit. Given his previous struggles, the length of time he’s been away and the approaching end of the regular season, it would be quite a story if Sandoval were to contribute this season, even in the playoffs. That possibility seems unlikely, to say the least.
Still, it bodes well for Sandoval that he’s progressed quickly enough that the Red Sox are open to the possibility of an early return. He still has three years and $58MM remaining on his contract, so there’s still time for the team to recoup a bit of value from the $95MM investment in Sandoval they made in the 2014-15 offseason.
“could potentially be an option for the Red Sox next month” the final 2 games? Is he eligible for postseason roster ?
I hope not… Maybe play him after they clinch the Division.
He’s as eligible as any player who has spent time on the DL.
as a giant’s fan, even tho i didn’t appreciate the way he departed s.f., hope he can get back on track. he’s proven in the past that when he’s on his game, he’s lethal.
good luck panda.
He’s also proven that he has an eating problem and that the second he is comfortable he will pile on the pounds again. His attitude is that it doesn’t matter how big he is so long as he hits. But he doesn’t seem to be intelligent enough to realize that his weight adds injury risk.
Come on guys this Peckerwood showed up at camp way over weight and had no respect for the game , the fans or team mates … Not a good idea playing him now
Glad he’s doing well, not interested in seeing him in the postseason this year barring major injuries to other key players (plural). Post season is not the time to be messing around, it’s just too late for me to be happy about seeing Panda this year.
Anyone else think that maybe they could give him away? Pick up 80% of his salary? Boston is not lacking for quality infielders going forward
If the Red Sox really wanted to do that, I think they could. However, I think the Red Sox will want to increase his value some and AT LEAST wait until the end of 2017 Spring Training to make a move involving Pablo Sandoval.
So what do you do with Travis Shaw/Moncada? Can’t move them to 1B, Hanley/Sam Travis have that position locked up….other teams would consider this a luxury problem
Maybe sell high on shaw? He’s going to be out of a spot soon, and he’s nothing great
@Boston Fans – What happens next year at 1B? I hear Hanley has done a really good job? Is that true and if so does that mean he remains at 1B next year? Then does that mean Sandoval to DH or someone else expected to play that position?
I expect Hanley Ramirez to be at 1B next year. He’s been adequate, in my opinion.
Ramirez could play 1b and DH. The Bosox could sign a 2017 FA for DH. Desmond?
Sam Travis and Moncada are not even going to start next season with the big league club. And Travis Shaw has been pretty putrid at times this year. Hanley could move to DH no matter what. There’s plenty of room for Sandoval on this team in 2017. There’s no reason to give spots on the team to players that haven’t even earned them yet. Travis has been injured all year and Moncada has proved over matched by ML pitching.
If you are holding on to panda next year it makes the most sense to try at least one of those guys, either Shaw panda or hanramam as dh with papi retiring
If they want to replace Papis production, they have to go after EE. Id rather they kept Hanley at first and signed EE than anything else they’re optioned with at the moment.
Panda rakes in the playoffs I hope he can come back and make a difference
big papi’s leaving and big phatty’s returning
Maybe he’s thinking if Hanley could get back in good graces, he can too…
The Bosox have the worst 3b production in all of baseball, and the 2017 3b FA pool is weak (with the exception of the Dodgers 3b). They need Sandoval!
Trade for Yuniel Escobar and give us your washout pitchers… I am sure the kakabrainiacs will take them and give them a huge contact ….
I forgot Panda was even part of the Red Sox until I saw him taking BP earlier today
I don’t ever want to see him on the diamond with a Red Sox jersey on! The guy is a lazy disgrace. I hope they move on from his fat lazy butt in 2017!
No…..no…..no
Don’t need him…..
No thanks. Id rather play Butterfield at 3rd.