San Francisco Giants: What Pablo Sandoval's Imminent Return Means for Champs
It's been a long road back for Pablo Sandoval, but what was in reality a couple of months, probably felt like an eternity for the star third baseman of the defending champion San Francisco Giants.
Sandoval, who broke the hamate bone in his right hand and had surgery on May 3, is expected to be activated for the Giants on Tuesday when the club begins a three-game series in Arizona.
Sandoval's return will be a very welcome sight for the Giants, who, despite weathering the storm of injuries to remain in first place in their division, have struggled mightily at the plate.
Let's look at the impact Pablo will likely have on the Giants upon his return to the lineup ...
A Jolt for the Offense
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Before going on the disabled list, Pablo Sandoval was the most consistent force in the Giants lineup. He was hitting .313 with 5 home runs and 14 RBI in 24 games before breaking a bone in his hand.
With virtually everyone in San Francisco's lineup having been inconsistent at the plate this year, Sandoval's return could mean a consistent threat in the middle of the order for the Giants, something they haven't had since he was sidelined.
In his rehab starts in the minor leagues so far, Sandoval has been hitting extremely well, hitting a home run and driving in four for the Fresno Grizzlies on June 7. Following his last rehab start, June 8, Sandoval told a reporter that he had "no pain" after swinging during the game, a great sign for the Giants.
The End of Miguel Tejada's Role as a Starter
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When the Giants signed Miguel Tejada after the departure of Edgar Renteria and Juan Uribe last winter, they hoped he would bring a solid, veteran glove to shortstop, as well as an above average bat.
He's done neither, and has actually been a liability in both categories.
Tejada is hitting just .223 with one home run and 16 RBI. Defensively, he's made several costly errors that in some cases have cost the team in the win column. His range has been very limited, resulting in many ground balls finding holes that would not exist with a more agile infielder.
The return of Pablo Sandoval to third base, and the emergence of the slick-fielding Brandon Crawford will likely result in Tejada being benched, or even released, by San Francisco.
An Infusion of Energy in the Clubhouse
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Pablo Sandoval has always been a light-hearted and up-beat clubhouse presence, and his return to the Giants will give the rest of the team a great infusion of energy that the club can use as a springboard to continued success.
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A Great Outlook
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With the Giants fortunate enough to be in first place despite numerous key injuries and an anemic offense, the return of their best hitter and starting third baseman will undoubtedly put the club in a great position to maintain and even possibly increase their lead in the National League West.
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