The San Francisco Giants released infielder Pablo Sandoval from his minor league contract on Thursday, hours before season opener against the San Diego Padres. The 37-year-old Sandoval — a fan favorite nicknamed Kung Fu Panda who was the 2012 World Series MVP — was trying to get back to the big leagues for the first time since 2021, when he batted .178 with a .302 on-base percentage, four homers and 11 RBIs in 69 games with the Atlanta Braves. Sandoval is a two-time All-Star who played for the Giants' 2010, 2012 and 2014 championship teams.