SAN FRANCISCO – Giants slugger Pablo Sandoval is still a possibility for opening day at Dodger Stadium, and he returned to the lineup as designated hitter in a 3-1 victory against the Oakland Athletics on Friday night.
The World Series MVP hadn't played since March 16 because of an inflamed nerve in his right elbow, then returned to cheers each time he stepped into the batter's box.
Buster Posey went 2 for 4 against the AL West champion A's just hours after the Giants rewarded the reigning NL MVP and batting champion with a new $167 million, nine-year contract.
Gregor Blanco hit a tying RBI triple in the fifth, then Nick Noonan followed with a go-ahead single off A.J. Griffin (2-2).
Sandoval went 0 for 2, but what mattered most was that he played at all.
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