It appears Pablo Sandoval will be part of the Braves’ postseason roster.
Sandoval was added to the roster and started at third base in Sunday’s regular season finale against one of his former teams, the Red Sox. Sandoval went 0-for-2 with two walks in the Braves' 9-1 loss.
“He was moving around well,” manager Brian Snitker said. “He’s aggressive, I know that. He always has been. It was good to get him in the clubhouse with everybody. If we decide to put him on the (postseason) roster, it was good to see him right there.”
The Braves signed Sandoval to a minor-league deal two weeks ago after the Giants cut him loose. He’s been working out at the team’s alternate training site in Gwinnett, where he impressed, according to Snitker.
“I think he’s a very valuable piece,” Snitker said. “He gives you some options in different situations. As we know, when you get into these games in the postseason, it’s different. I think a couple years ago I (pinch) hit (Kurt) Suzuki in the fourth inning against the Dodgers. So you do things a little differently, and (Sandoval) gives you a really good option off the bench.”
Sandoval, 34, has hit .220/.278/.268 with one homer and six RBIs in 33 games this season. The switch-hitter played 14 games as the designated hitter, eight as a first baseman and four as a third baseman with the Giants.
The Braves added Sandoval their 40-man roster, transferring lefty Cole Hamels to the 45-day injured list. Tucker Davidson was optioned to the alternate training site to open a roster spot. Davidson made his first MLB start Saturday night.
Braves third baseman Austin Riley has missed four of the past five games with quadriceps discomfort. Adeiny Hechavarria had filled in, but the usually reliable defender made four errors in three games.
The Braves' finale had no impact on the standings. As the National League’s No. 2 seed, they’ll host the seventh-seeded Reds for a best-of-three at Truist Park next week.
