FORT MYERS, Fla. — Pablo Sandoval hit two home runs on Saturday, no-doubters that nearly sailed beyond the back wall of Hammond Stadium as the Red Sox beat the Minnesota Twins, 12-5.
Through 13 spring training games, Sandoval is hitting .333 with a .965 OPS and 11 RBIs, tied for the team lead. He also has played what is at least adequate defense at third base and has run the bases with determination.
But when asked if Sandoval had earned the starting job at third base, manager John Farrell chose his words carefully.
“He’s done everything you’re looking for,’’ Farrell said. “Again, I don’t see any reason to say he’s the guy. Just continue to go play and we’ll put the best team on the field on a given day.’’
After two seasons of being disappointed in Sandoval, the Sox aren’t going to cut him any breaks based on spring training. He has two more weeks to prove he belongs on the field.
But Saturday did provide evidence that Sandoval can still generate the bat speed that once made him a feared hitter with the San Francisco Giants.
He had a two-run homer in the fourth inning against Jake Reed, a minor league reliever. Sandoval connected again in the sixth off Nick Tepesch, who has some big league experience.
“I feel good. I’ve been working every day in the cage on the things that I’ve been doing with the hitting coach,’’ Sandoval said. “I’ve been working real hard to get to this point. I feel free with the swing. That’s my key point.’’
A notorious bad-ball hitter, Sandoval needs a quick swing to make up for his lack of strike zone discipline.
“I feel good at home plate. I think I got my bat speed back. That’s one of the things that I’m looking for in the cage,’’ he said.
“It’s a lot different. The pitch inside, to get to the point and put the bat on the ball, it’s a good result.’’
Look for Sandoval in the lineup against Baltimore and lefthander Wade Miley on Monday. He has worked on his righthanded swing but not had many chances to use it in games, going 1 for 5.
“The limited number of at-bats righthanded, it’s been encouraging,’’ Farrell said. “It’s been better than any time in the three years now that he’s been here. I think that’s a product of just being in better athletic condition.’’
Sandoval is even mastering public relations.
“First, I don’t think about myself. I think about my fan support, my teammates, the team. That’s the thing, I have to do a lot of things for them,’’ he said.
“Up and downs in my career, you have to prove a lot of things right now. That’s what I have been doing. I’m going continue doing [that] for the fans, my teammates who have respect for the game. I’m happy but I’m not satisfied.’’
Thorny issue
The Red Sox traded for righthander Carson Smith before the 2016 season, intending for him to pitch the eighth inning. He was injured in spring training and appeared in only three spring training games before needing elbow surgery.
Smith isn’t expected back until June. That prompted the Red Sox to obtain righthander Tyler Thornburg from the Brewers to handle the eighth.
Thornburg appeared in two spring training games and was hit so hard the Sox shut him down to start a program of strengthening his shoulder.
Thornburg threw in the bullpen on Saturday and is tentatively scheduled to pitch in a minor league game on Tuesday. From there, the schedule would give him time to get in four games before the season starts.
Is that enough to avoid the disabled list?
“We’ll have to take a look as he gets through those final appearances here in camp,’’ Farrell said. “He’s got to get better than he’s been. He would tell you the same. Got to get him back to the mound. Got to get him comfortable in his delivery.’’
If Thornburg isn’t ready, Farrell would turn to Joe Kelly as the primary setup man.
Farrell believes Kelly can handle that role. He’s also enthused about how Heath Hembree has pitched.
Backup plan
At the start of spring training, the Sox intended to use left fielder Andrew Benintendi as their center fielder on the days Jackie Bradley Jr. doesn’t start. But that has shifted.
Farrell is now leaning toward Chris Young as the primary backup in center.
As was the case with Mookie Betts last season, the Sox believe Benintendi will benefit at the plate by focusing on one position defensively.
“Let’s face it, Andrew has had a handful of games against that wall [in left field at Fenway Park]. The more he can get adept at that . . . there are multiple factors but that’s the primary one,’’ Farrell said.
In addition to playing the wall, the Sox are working with Benintendi on having a quicker release when he throws to bases.
Young, 33, started only three games in center field last season and nine for the Yankees in 2015. But he was an everyday center fielder earlier in his career.
Peter Abraham can be reached at pabraham@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @PeteAbe.
