Giants activate Sandoval
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The San Francisco Giants have reinstated third baseman Pablo Sandoval from the 15-day disabled list, with the 2012 World Series MVP expected to return to the lineup for Monday's opener of a three-game series with the rival Los Angeles Dodgers.
Sandoval has not played since aggravating an existing foot injury in a June 8 game at Arizona. He initially strained his left foot a week earlier, sitting out the Giants' entire three-game series at St. Louis from June 1-2 before returning to action two days later.
The stocky switch-hitter prepared for Monday's return by going 4-for-6 with two home runs in a two-game rehab stint with Class A San Jose on Friday and Saturday.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Sandoval has batted .289 with eight home runs and 37 RBI in 57 games this season.
The Giants optioned infielder Nick Noonan to Triple-A Fresno to make room for Sandoval on the active roster. The former supplemental first-round pick hit .212 with four RBI in 48 games for San Francisco this year.