© Kiel Maddox | USA Today
When Pablo Sandoval spoke to the media after what appeared to be a right hamstring strain July 29 after an 8-5 win over the Milwaukee Brewers, he was upbeat. He compared it to his injury in 2012, which put him out of action for 18 games.
When asked if he thought he’d miss time, Sandoval replied, “I hope not.” Then he smiled before adding, “I’ll miss some time when Belt comes back.”
He was scheduled to receive an MRI once the team arrived in San Diego for a two-game series against the Padres. When the results came back, Sandoval’s best-case scenario evaporated. The MRI revealed a “significant tear” of Sandoval’s hamstring according to manager Bruce Bochy, meaning Sandoval will miss the rest of the year with season-ending hamstring surgery. The surgery will take place next week.
“It really shocked me,” Bochy said. “I guess when he slid at home is when he did it. You never think a hamstring is going to put him out over two months.”