Sandoval to sign with Giants, start in minors

SAN FRANCISCO — Brandon Belt expects Panda-monium in San Francisco once more. Pablo Sandoval plans to sign a minor league contract to return to the Giants, a person with knowledge of his intentionssaidThursday.Theperson spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the agreement had not been announced. That should happen today.

The Kung Fu Panda is coming home for a fresh start — and Belt is convinced the 2012 World Series MVP will be a fan favourite again.

“He was a big part of our World Series runs, so I think he’s always going to have a place here in San Francisco and everybody’s going to love that he’s back,” Belt, San Francisco’s first baseman said on Thursday.

Sandoval technically will not be free to agree to a deal with a team until 10 a.m. PT today upon clearing waivers. Sandoval is scheduled to play with Triple-A Sacramento at least initially.

The Boston Red Sox released Sandoval on Wednesday when the third baseman didn’t report after being designated for assignment last week.

It officially ended the Boston tenure for the slugger, who never was healthy enough to live up to the expectations that came with the $95-million free agent contract he signed in 2014 — bolting the Bay Area shortly after helping the Giants win their third World Series title this decade.

With the Red Sox unable to find a team willing to take on part of his salary, Sandoval moved on after a total of 161 games, 575 at-bats, 136 hits and 14 home runs for Boston.