<P> Jeff Passan of Yahoo! Sports reported in January 2016 that Sandoval had switched agents and was now represented by Rick Thurman and Rafa Nieves of Beverly Hills Sports Council . Looking to improve upon his first season in Boston, an overweight Sandoval struggled in spring training, and was replaced by Travis Shaw as the starting third baseman . On April 13, 2016, Sandoval was placed on the 15 - day disabled list due to a shoulder strain . On May 3, 2016, Sandoval underwent surgery on his left shoulder, sidelining him for the remainder of the season . On September 24, manager John Farrell told reporters that Sandoval was progressing ahead of schedule in his rehab, and could be an option for the Red Sox in the postseason should a need arise, as the team did acquire Aaron Hill during the season to help with third base depth . Sandoval also made an effort at improving his fitness, losing 15 pounds by August while working at the Red Sox facility in Fort Myers . Due to the injury Sandoval ended his 2016 season with six at bats . </P> <P> Heading into the 2017 season, Sandoval battled in spring training to become the third baseman, competing against Josh Rutledge and a few others . Sandoval won the job after posting solid spring training numbers . He began hitting at the bottom of the Boston lineup, mainly between either 6th or 8th in the order . Through 108 plate appearances, Sandoval continued his struggle from the 2015 season, hitting just . 212 for the Red Sox before being placed on the 10 - day disabled list on June 20 with an inner ear infection . On June 27, he began a rehab assignment with the Pawtucket Red Sox of the Class AAA International League . He was designated for assignment by the Red Sox on July 14, and released on July 19 . </P> <P> On July 22, 2017, the Giants signed Sandoval to a minor league contract and assigned him to the minor leagues . On August 5, Sandoval was called up to the major league roster after Brandon Belt was put on the disabled list for a concussion . </P> <P> Like many Venezuelan MLB players, Sandoval plays in the Venezuelan Winter League during the offseason . He plays for the Navegantes del Magallanes . In 2013, Sandoval led his team to its first series title since the 2002 winter ball season . He was named the MVP of the Venezuelan postseason, three months after being named the 2012 World Series MVP . Sandoval said, "There's nothing like being champion here in Venezuela with the Navegantes . Although it can't be compared with winning the World Series, because they're different things . But it's very special to be champion here ." </P>

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