Giants release Pablo Sandoval
The San Francisco Giants have released infielder Pablo Sandoval, the team announced.
Sandoval's release clears a spot for recently signed first baseman Justin Smoak, who was added to the Giants' roster Thursday, according to Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area.
The 34-year-old quickly posted a thank-you to Giants fans and the organization on Instagram.
Sandoval was in his second stint with the Giants after rejoining them in 2017 following an unsuccessful tenure with the Boston Red Sox.
"Kung Fu Panda" was hitting .220/.278/.268 with six RBIs and 18 strikeouts in 33 games this season after posting an .820 OPS for the Giants in part-time duty in 2019.
The Venezuelan owns a .285/.337/.457 slash line with 135 home runs and 569 RBIs during 11 seasons in the Bay Area.
Sandoval won three World Series titles with the Giants and was named World Series MVP in 2012.