Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
OAKLAND — Pablo Sandoval will have Tommy John surgery the first week of September.
And yet, there is a possibility he has not played his final game as a Giant — not just ever, but this season.
Trainer Dave Groeschner said Sandoval likely would have the right elbow procedure on Sept. 3 or 4. Before that time, Bruce Bochy would like to see the heart of the Giants get one more at-bat.
“I’d love to,” Bochy said before the Giants played the A’s on Saturday at the Oakland Coliseum. “If he’s able to and it works out, sure. We’ll see how he’s feeling. That’s a decision that we all have to make together.”
Bochy is on-board. Which Sandoval knows.
“He wants me to do it. He’s like my dad,” the Panda said. “… If he wants me to go out there and play, I’ll take one more at-bat for him.”
The Giants return to Oracle Park on Monday and play until a road trip beginning Monday, Sept. 2. If the Giants want to sneak in a last Sandoval pinch-hit, it likely would come Sunday, Sept. 1, against the Padres.
Sandoval has been in pain, and the elbow hurt him throwing and batting righty. Sandoval was holding a bat in the clubhouse before the game, and he may have one last moment with Bochy.
“It’s hard. One of the greatest managers I’ve ever played for,” Sandoval said. “Won’t be around playing the last two weeks of his career, that’s tough. Just thank God for giving me the opportunity to play nine years for him.”
Bruce Bochy hopes Pablo Sandoval can get one more at-bat before surgery. #SFGiants pic.twitter.com/KUcpXmfg60
— KNBR (@KNBR) August 24, 2019