It’s possible Pablo Sandoval returns to the Red Sox this season:

Sandoval underwent season-ending surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder in May. At the time, the Red Sox said he would make a full recovery in time for the 2017 season.

Sandoval, though, reportedly has dropped a significant amount of weight since the spring. He was with the Red Sox on Saturday and took batting practice at Tropicana Field before the game.

“Based on the surgery that was performed, based on the rehab that was required, he’s doing a very good job and would be ahead of schedule,” Farrell said. “He’s been in games already in instructional league. So he’s taking care of his end of the work that’s needed.”

He hit extremely well in his previous post-seasons. If the surgery returned him to his younger abilities, he would be an asset in the playoffs.