FORT MYERS, Fla. -- The batting practice that takes place between teammates during Spring Training generally favors the pitcher. In fact, some hitters go up there simply to track pitches.
But on Thursday, Pablo Sandoval was ready to go when he faced new Red Sox ace David Price.
Sandoval, batting right-handed, stuck his bat out on the first pitch he saw from a Major League pitcher since last September and belted it to the warning track in left.
"I think that caught everybody by surprise," said Mookie Betts, who also hit off Price.