Sandoval receives a warm welcome

3B says he’s sorry about stormy exit as he returns to Giants.

Pablo Sandoval is back with the San Francisco Giants after signing a minor league contract with the team he broke into the majors leagues with.

The 2012 World Series MVP walked into the Giants clubhouse at AT&T Park on Saturday as if he’d never left, shaking hands with former teammates.

It was a scene few thought possible after Sandoval left on bitter terms following the 2014 season after helping San Francisco to its third World Series title in five years.

“I learned my lesson,” he said. “I apologize to the fans, especially for the things that I said — both the things I said to (them and) my former teammates.

“Now, I get a second chance.”

Sandoval, 31, was expected to be the designated hitter for Class A San Jose later Saturday night and will join Triple-A Sacramento on Tuesday.

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

Diamondbacks: David Peralta, A.J. Pollock and Jake Lamb hit consecutive homers Friday night in the first inning against Nationals ace Max Scherzer, making Arizona the first team to accomplish the feat since Baltimore against Texas on May 10, 2012.

Red Sox: With Eduardo Rodriguez (partial shoulder dislocation) back, righthander Doug Fister is moving to the bullpen. In five games (four starts), Fister is 0-4 with a 7.89 ERA.

Blue Jays: Right-hander Aaron Sanchez was placed on the disabled list for the fourth time this season because of a blister problem.

Brewers: Outfielder Ryan Braun was back in the lineup Saturday night after missing the past three games with a right wrist injury.

Yankees: Second baseman Starlin Castro will be placed on the disabled list after reinjuring his right hamstring, manager Joe Girardi said.

Nationals: Max Scherzer, who gave up three consecutive homers Friday night against the Diamondbacks, allowed his most runs in a first inning since July 2, 2011, against San Francisco, when he gave up five.

Dodgers: First baseman Adrian Gonzalez, on the DL since June 12 with a herniated disk in his back, took grounders before Friday’s game. He is expected back in August.

Rockies: Colorado pitchers combined to hit four batters Friday, tying a franchise record.