#Heavy Pablo Sandoval photo doesn’t have Giants laughing

Recent photos of San Francisco Giants veteran Pablo Sandoval looking rounder and heavier than usual have set Twitter abuzz.

However, Giants manager Gabe Kepler isn’t very concerned. The team expects the third baseman to be ready and in game shape by Opening Day later this month, despite the obvious weight gain since his last appearance at spring training in Scottsdale, Ariz.

“I think what we’re always looking for — is Pablo able to do the things necessary for him to be a good baseball player?” Kapler said. “I think it’s understandable that in today’s world we focus on weight. I get it, and sometimes body shapes and sizes. In this particular case, what we’ve all noticed about Pablo is the ball’s jumping off his bat and his throws have nice carry.”

The 33-year-old is currently listed at 5-foot-11 and 268 pounds. During the 2019 season, he played in 108 games with 36 starts at third base and 15 at first base. He also served as a designated hitter in four games before undergoing season-ending Tommy John surgery on his right elbow in September.

Sandoval ended last season with 14 home runs, 41 RBIs and a .507 slugging percentage.

“He’s demonstrated that he’s healthy,” Kapler added, “and that’s the most important thing. He’s not going to bat leadoff for us. The expectation with Pablo Sandoval is he slugs. He drives the baseball. He’s a good DH candidate for us. He’s got nice soft hands, and all of those things are present in camp and those are the things that we’re going to be focusing on.”