BOSTON — Red Sox fans might be fed up with third baseman Pablo Sandoval, but his team has his back.
The Red Sox placed Sandoval on the 15-day disabled list with a left shoulder strain before Wednesday’s game against the Baltimore Orioles. And although it’s definitely not the best series of events for a guy who started his season on the bench after losing the starting third base job to Travis Shaw, Farrell believes it could give Sandoval a chance to collect himself mentally.
Farrell also gave Kung Fu Panda a big vote of confidence.
“It’s been a real tough start,” Farrell said. “He’s been an easy target. I’ve had a chance to sit and talk with him about that specifically. First and foremost, we’ve got to get him right physically to get past the shoulder issue. So if a breather gives him a chance to maybe step away from the scrutiny that he’s under, we’ll make every effort to have that take place.
“But I still firmly believe that Panda is going to be a contributor to this team. We’re going to need him to be because there’s a darn good player in there, and we’ve got to continue to work to get that out.”
Since coming into spring training larger than everyone thought he would be, Sandoval has been a big target for Red Sox fans and media. But Farrell said Sandoval has a specific conditioning plan the team will continue to address during his rehab.
“He’s working very diligently at that,” Farrell said. “He has my full support. Every player has needs. Panda’s are outlined. There’s a specific plan to address those, and we’re supporting him through it.”
Sandoval has just six at-bats so far in one start and two appearances as a pinch hitter, but he has yet to record a hit.
Thumbnail photo via Nick Turchiaro/USA TODAY Sports Images
