Sandoval given conditioning program as he heads to DL

The Boston Red Sox have placed third baseman Pablo Sandoval on the 15-day disabled list with a left shoulder strain.

Sandoval reported the injury to manager John Farrell on Wednesday. The club said it has also outlined a conditioning program for him while he's on the DL.

Farrell added that the possibility of a breather would be of benefit to him, especially considering all the scrutiny he's been under since showing up to spring training well out of shape.

"It's been a real tough start. He's been an easy target," Farrell said. "First and foremost, we've got to get him right physically to get past the shoulder issue. But I still firmly believe that Panda is going to be a contributor to this team.

"We're going to need him to be, because there's a darn good player in there."

Sandoval, who is making $17.6 million this year as part of a five-year, $95 million deal, has been relegated to a bench role with the emergence of Travis Shaw at third base. In just seven plate appearances off the bench, Sandoval doesn't have a hit while striking out four times.

As a counter-move, the Red Sox recalled infielder Josh Rutledge from Triple-A Pawtucket.