NATIONAL SPORTS REPORT
SPORTS SHORTS Sandoval makes Braves’ roster
Kung Fu Panda has made the opening day roster for the Braves. The team made moves Saturday to complete its 26-man group, most notably promoting nonroster infielder Pablo Sandoval to the big league roster. The 34-year-old Sandoval is a two-time All-Star and 2012 World Series MVP looking to revive his career in a bench role with the Braves. The portly switch-hitter earned his spot with a strong spring, hitting .429 with four RBIs in 35 at-bats. “Pablo speaks for himself, just the way he comes in, his professionalism, what he adds in clubhouse, the presence has, the respect he has from everybody,” manager Brian Snitker said. “And he can still hit. He’s kind of what you’re looking for.” Sandoval, whose contract will be upgraded to a one-year, $1 million deal, hit .214 in 84 at-bats with the Braves and Giants in 2020. He was added to the Braves’ postseason roster, going hitless in four plate appearances as the Braves came within one game of reaching the World Series. The Braves hope Sandoval can return to the form he showed in 2019, when he hit .268 with 14 homers for the Giants.
Chen wins 3rd straight worlds
Nathan Chen already has established himself as one of America’s greatest figure skaters. His performance Saturday lifted him into the company of history’s best worldwide. In becoming the first American since Scott Hamilton to win a third consecutive World Figure Skating Championships men’s title, the 21-year-old Chen also outskated two-time Olympic champion Yuzuru Hanyu of Japan. And Chen believes he has been — and can be — even better. “I wouldn’t say this is my best free program ever,” he said. “But it’s one I will definitely remember forever and cherish, being able to skate like that and skate this piece here at worlds.” Russia completed its medals run when Victoria Sinitsina and Nikita Katsalapov took the ice dance gold. Anna Shcherbakova won the women’s competition, and Anastasia Mishina and Aleksandr Galliamov earned pairs gold. Chen was dynamic in easily surpassing short program winner Hanyu and stamp himself as the man to beat at next year’s Beijing Olympics. Hanyu struggled mightily Saturday and fell to third place behind 17-year-old Yuma Kagiyama.