Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
The first big test came, and Pablo Sandoval passed.
But he certainly didn’t earn an A.
“Feels weird,” reported Sandoval after he took some swings in the cage on Friday, his first attempt to rally for one more at-bat for, well, everything: Bruce Bochy, San Francisco fans, the 2019 Giants, his team legacy.
Sandoval told KNBR that while taking cuts from the left side does not hurt him every time, he feels his right elbow pulling at him “sometimes.” Sandoval will have Tommy John surgery next week, but he hopes to have an opportunity for a proper goodbye first.
“I can handle the pain,” said Sandoval, who said he didn’t know if he could further impair his throwing elbow.
“If I do more damage, they’re gonna fix it. I don’t want to do more damage. I just want to be ready for one more time, for this team, for this organization, for the fans. That’s the most important [reason] that I want to get this at-bat.”
Bochy said Thursday he envisioned Sandoval returning as a “weapon” before he had to go under the knife, stating he hoped for more than just one at-bat. Sandoval shot down the possibility of an extended farewell.
He said Sunday is his only chance to squeeze it in. The finale against the Padres will conclude the Giants’ homestand, and Sandoval will be in Los Angeles next week for the surgery.
Bochy wants it to happen. Sandoval wants it to happen. He will see how he feels Saturday, and the plan is — if all goes well — he’ll take batting practice on the field before the Sunday moment.
“This is the last time I’m going to play for him,” said Sandoval, himself a free agent after the season and forever linked with Bochy. “I just want to be part of this one more time. Whatever happens, happens. I gotta fix it, but I want to do it for this guy, I want to be here.”