The Panda is on his way back. Giants manager Bruce Bochy told reporters following Friday's game against the Rangers that Pablo Sandoval would return to the Giants' lineup on Saturday.
"We think he's ready," Bochy told reporters (via CSNBayArea.com). "With Melky [Cabrera] out, sure, that plays a part in it. We're a little short and could use another bat in the lineup."
The Giants were shutout in Friday's opener in the rematch of the 2010 World Series.
Sandoval went 2 for 2 with two homers and a walk for Triple-A Fresno on Friday. Sandoval had three hits in 11 at-bats and three games for the Grizzlies, with all three hits going for extra bases.
Sandoval had surgery to repain a fractured hamate bone in his left hand on May 4, the day after he went on the DL.
The team will option Brett Pill to make room for Sandoval.
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