Pablo Sandoval appears to have regained most of the weight he dropped last winter

Kung Fu Panda’s gut is making a comeback.

Giants manager Bruce Bochy acknowledged to Chris Haft of MLB.com Monday that third baseman Pablo Sandoval has regained at least some of the 40 pounds that he dropped last winter in a hardcore conditioning and dieting program.

Bochy didn’t seem bothered by the gain, telling Haft and other reporters that “overall, it’s been good.”

But the then-and-now pictures tell a different story.
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Here’s Sandoval taking a swing during an April 23 game against the Braves:

In this photo taken Saturday April 23, 2011, San Francisco Giants’ Pablo Sandoval is at bat against the Atlanta Braves during their baseball game in San Francisco. No longer the stressed-out, pressing third baseman he was a year ago for the Giants while fighting significant weight gain and his confidence, Sandoval has a spring in his step again. And, more importantly for the reigning World Series champions, some serious pop in his bat. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

AP

And here’s a picture of Sandoval during last night’s 8-3 defeat of the Padres:

San Francisco Giants’ Pablo Sandoval, right, hits a three-run home run off of San Diego Padres relief pitcher Andrew Carpenter in the seventh inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Monday, Sept. 12, 2011. At left is Padres catcher Nick Hundley. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

AP

Sandoval has actually posted a slightly better batting line (.299/.351/.519) since the All-Star break than the .303/.341/.503 mark that he registered in the first half. He has also slugged more home runs.

But the Giants have to be concerned about his long-term ability to stay fit and healthy while manning a position that requires a serious amount of athleticism. Might another personal offseason training regimen be in order?