Pablo Sandoval seems to have fallen back into some old bad habits, but San Francisco Giants manager Gabe Kapler does not sound too worried about him.
An unflattering image of the veteran slugger Sandoval looking seriously hefty went viral this week amid the resumption of team workouts. Have a look:
Pablo Sandoval is taking grounders at third base. His throws appear to have good carry. pic.twitter.com/Lrk5ltofyl
— Andrew Baggarly (@extrabaggs) July 4, 2020
Pablo Sandoval looking like he was not expecting a MLB season this year. pic.twitter.com/WZmVCoytPv
— BET ON HANK (@HorseCoast) July 5, 2020
Quarantine was NOT kind to Pablo Sandoval pic.twitter.com/Roq4gueGBh
— Gump Cathcart (@bubbagumpino) July 4, 2020
Speaking with the media on Sunday, Kapler addressed Sandoval’s weight.
“He’s demonstrated he’s healthy,” said Kapler, per Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic. “That’s the most important thing. He’s not going to lead off for us. He slugs. He’s a good DH candidate. He’s got nice soft hands. All those things are present in camp and those are the things we’ll be focusing on.”
Sandoval, the two-time All-Star and former World Series MVP, will turn 34 next month. He is on his second stint with the Giants and hit .268 with 14 homers and 41 RBIs in 108 games last season.
Formally listed at 268 pounds, Sandoval has historically struggled with his weight, and a former trainer once detailed the extent of his eating problem. The 2020 season will feature the use of a universal designated hitter though, so as long as Sandoval’s weight does not impact his ability to produce at the plate, Kapler probably will not be overly concerned.
