Bochy questions Sandoval's conditioning, ability to play 3B

Giants manager Bruce Bochy met briefly with Sandoval on Saturday, and while he didn’t mention specifics of the conversation, clearly it was not a pleasant exchange.

Bochy acknowledged that he isn’t sure that Sandoval is in condition to return to third base, where Joaquin Arias has set a defensive standard that will be difficult to match.

“He’s been told we have enough first basemen,” said Bochy, asked about whether a position change might be in the works for the rotund Panda. “That said, hopefully we’re not forced to make a change. That’s in Pablo’s hands.

“Being able to make the plays Joaquin has been making, that’s so vital. You look at how important the plays were in (Sunday’s) ballgame. That’s part of when (Sandoval) comes back up here. It’s not just the hitting. It’s how he’s playing third base, which is what he’s doing today.”

Bochy acknowledged the Giants are likely to wait until June 12 to activate Sandoval. That’s because his swing remains limited from the right side and the Texas Rangers are scheduled to throw two left-handers in this weekend’s series at AT&T Park.

Sandoval Gets Tips from Bonds, Vote of Confidence from Sabean

He shared un abrazo with the Home Run King — a hug — but Pablo Sandoval would not share the conversation he had the day before with Barry Bonds when he came into the Giants clubhouse.

“Some tricks,” Sanodoval said with a twinkle in his eye, “some things. But I just can’t talk about it.

“I don’t have permission to talk about it.”

What Sandoval had no issue divulging, though, was an update on his health.

The switch-hitting Sandoval, on the disabled list since May 3 with a fracture to that hamate bone, took batting practice solely from the left side and pounded the ball all over the field. He took 30 swings in the cage.