Pablo Sandoval's tenure with the Boston Red Sox has been a roller coaster thus far and the narrative hasn't changed this spring.
After just one season with the Red Sox, could Sandoval find his way back to the NL West where he spent the first seven years of his career with the Giants?
The San Diego Padres, who heavily courted Sandoval in free agency after the 2014 season, have a scout taking a close look at the third baseman at spring training according to Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe.
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Other than AT&T Park, Sandoval has produced his best power numbers at San Diego's Petco Park. In 53 games, the Panda has blasted 10 home runs while hitting .284/.355/.487.
[PAVLOVIC: Williamson, Parker among Giants' final spring cuts]
Sandoval sustained a back injury on March 24 diving for a ball on defense, but is scheduled to make his first start back in big league camp on Tuesday.
In 34 at-bats this spring, Sandoval is hitting .265/.306/.864 with two home runs.
San Francisco Giants
Aside from dealing with a tight back, the emergence of prospect Travis Shaw could also be a factor in Sandoval's availability. Shaw, 25, has dominated in big league camp, hitting .353/.400/.949 with two home runs.
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San Diego's projected Opening Day third baseman is Yangervis Solarte. Last season, his first full year in San Diego, Solarte slashed .270/.320/428 with 14 home runs.
After the 2014 season, Sandoval signed a five-year, $95 million contract to leave San Francisco for Boston.
He hit .245/.292/.658 with 10 home runs in 126 games played in his first year with the Red Sox. All were career lows.