SAN FRANCISCO — The prodigal Panda is reportedly returning to the San Francisco Giants.

Hours after the Red Sox placed Pablo Sandoval on unconditional release waivers, the third baseman reached an understanding with his former team on a minor league contract, according to multiple reports.

Sandoval is expected to report to Triple-A Sacramento in an attempt to work his way back to the team where he starred for six seasons and won the 2012 World Series MVP award.

Giants GM Bobby Evans said that the reports weren’t accurate because Sandoval hadn’t cleared release waivers; claiming Sandoval on waivers would mean a team assuming the roughly $49.5 million left on his contract.

But while teams cannot make offers until Sandoval is a free agent, they are allowed to express interest.

Sources close to Sandoval have been quoted as saying that he would “love” to return to the Giants.

CUBS: The team believes Kris Bryant won’t miss a prolonged period of time after he suffered a sprained left little finger that forced him to leave the game against Atlanta.

The Cubs said X-rays on Bryant were negative. His status is day to day and he’ll be monitored.

 

DIAMONDBACKS: Outfielder J.D. Martinez hurt his left hand while striking out, forcing him out of his debut with Arizona.

Martinez was hit on the side of the left hand while swinging at a two-strike pitch from Tim Adleman of Cincinnati in the fourth inning. Martinez’s hand was shaking as it was examined. Since the ball hit only his hand during the swing, the at-bat ended in a strikeout.

Martinez left for a defensive replacement in the bottom of the inning. X-rays were negative.

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