Pablo Sandoval signs with Atlanta

If you thought Pablo Sandoval’s career was over when the San Francisco Giants waived him last week, think again.

On Monday — just four days after his time with the Giants came to an end — Sandoval signed a Minor League deal with the Atlanta Braves, and will report to their Alternate Training Site in Gwinnett, Georgia.

Sandoval has had a rough go of it in 2020, hitting just 18-82 with 1 home run, 1 double, 6 walks, and 18 strikeouts. He hasn’t looked comfortable at the plate, but is coming off a very strong 2019, when he hit .268/.313/.507. He also had Tommy John surgery in September, and is potentially still recovering. He’s able to play the field, but may still be getting his arm used to baseball motions.

He’s also struggled off the field, as his family contracted the coronavirus at their home in Miami while Sandoval was with the Giants. His wife was admitted to the emergency room twice while battling the virus. In addition to that, Sandoval battled inappropriate headlines from media members that took shots at his weight during Summer Camp and early in the season.

Hopefully he can find his mojo with a new team, and work his way onto the roster. Atlanta leads the NL East with a 28-20 record, and they’re a virtual lock for a postseason spot. If he does work his way up, he’ll be surrounded by familiar faces, as Atlanta currently has four former Giants (Will Smith, Mark Melancon, Adam Duvall, and Charlie Culberson) on the active roster.