Sandoval earns a spot on Braves’ roster
Kung Fu Panda has made the Opening Day roster for the Atlanta Braves.
The team made a flurry of 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 with the Giants who is 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. He’s a guy who can sit around and stay ready.”
The Braves, who open the season Thursday at Philadelphia, also selected the contracts of two other nonroster players: infielder Ehire Adrianza and reliever Nate Jones.
Former All-stars Jake Lamb and Jason Kipnis were released, beaten out by Sandoval for a spot on a bench.
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 Atlanta’s postseason roster, going hitless in four plate appearances as the Braves came within one game of reaching the World Series.
YANKS’ VOIT NEEDS KNEE SURGERY, GIVING CHANCE FOR BRUCE >>
Major league home run champion Luke Voit needs knee surgery to repair a partial meniscus tear, an injury that opened a New York Yankees roster spot for Jay Bruce on Saturday as a converted first baseman.
Voit will not have any baseball activities for three weeks after the operation, manager Aaron Boone said. Voit is expected back in May. The injury to Voit, who hit 22 homers in the pandemic-shortened season, played a role in the decision to add Bruce, who attended spring training with a minor league contract. Bruce has played 1,510 major league games in the outfield and 54 at first base, including two last season.
Bruce entered Saturday with a .194 average, two homers and three RBIS in 31 at-bats during spring training.
BREWERS RE-SIGN ZIMMERMANN TO MINOR LEAGUE DEAL >>
The Milwaukee Brewers re-signed pitcher Jordan Zimmermann to a minor league contract one day after releasing him.
This move enables the Brewers to send the 34-year-old righthander to their alternate site in Appleton, Wisconsin.
Zimmermann made All-star teams with the Washington Nationals in 2013 and 2014, but he has struggled with injuries the last two seasons. He went 0-0 with a 7.94 ERA in three appearances for Detroit last year.