ATLANTA – 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.
A two-time National League All-Star and the 2012 World Series MVP with the San Francisco Giants, the 34-year-old Sandoval is trying to revive his career in a bench role with the Braves. The portly switch-hitter earned his spot with a strong showing at spring training, 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 he has, the respect he has from everybody,” Atlanta 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 regular 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 that will carry only four players. The team will go with 14 pitchers to start the season.