FORT MYERS, Fla., March 28 (UPI) -- After downsizing on the scale this offseason, Pablo Sandoval's services are being weighed by the San Diego Padres.
"There's a San Diego Padres scout here taking a close look at Pablo Sandoval, post-back injury," Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe reported Monday.
Cafardo referenced the Padres' interest in acquiring Sandoval in 2014 when he was a free agent. The team even offered Sandoval a deal, which was turned down, even though it was "thought to be larger" than other deals he received, according to Cafardo.
Sandoval eventually inked a five-year, $95 million contract with the Red Sox.
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Sandoval played five innings at third base in minor league game, and went 0-for-3. Due back in big league lineup Tuesday.
— Sean McAdam (@Sean_McAdam) March 28, 2016
The Padres' current third baseman is Yangervis Solarte. Solarte, 28, hit .270, with 14 home runs and 63 RBI in 571 plate appearances last year for the Padres.
Sandoval played five innings, going 0-fo-3, in a minor league game Monday, according to Comcast Sports Net's Sean McAdam. The 29-year-old is currently dealing with back tightness.
Sandoval hit .245, with 10 home runs and 47 RBI in 505 plate appearances last year for the Red Sox.
Travis Shaw, 25, could push the veteran Sandoval for the hot corner starting gig. Shaw is hitting .353, with two home runs and nine RBI in 51 at-bats, this spring. Sandoval has hit .265, with two home runs and six RBI in 34 at-bats, this spring.
Jason Mastrodonato, of the Boston Herald, reported Monday that Red Sox manager John Farrell "is not ready to announce" who the team's starting third baseman will be.
