Pablo Sandoval is back in the bigs and back where he had his greatest success.
The San Francisco Giants, mired in last place in the National League West, called up Sandoval from Triple-A Sacramento on Saturday after placing first baseman Brandon Belt on the seven-day concussion list. The Panda, a World Series hero for the Giants in their championship years, was released by the Red Sox last month after a less-than-stellar 161 games over three seasons (.212 in 2017, .237 overall) in Boston.
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He'll likely start at third base tonight against Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Tijuan Walker.
Sandoval, 30, will still be paid nearly $48 million for the three years remaining on his contract by the Red Sox. The Giants are on the hook only for a prorated portion of the major league minimum for the rest of this season.
Sandoval was hitting .207 with two extra-base hits in 29 at-bats for Sacramento after hitting .222 with two singles in nine at-bats for Class A San Jose.