The Boston Red Sox’ 2015 starting third baseman has already made headlines for all the wrong reasons this Spring, and now it is looking like he’s going to have to earn his spot in the starting nine.

Pablo Sandoval, who signed a 5-year, $95 million contract prior to last season, chose the wrong year to come to Spring Training out of shape, as second-year man Travis Shaw has done nothing but rake since the Grapefruit League kicked off play. Shaw is batting .441 on the spring with a pair of home runs and 9 RBIs, while Sandoval is hitting just .250 with 2 homers and 4 RBIs.

Defensively, Sandoval is tied for the league lead committing 4 errors in just 37 chances over 12 games, while Shaw is a perfect 26-for-26 combined at first and third base. Red Sox manager John Ferrell said on Sunday that the four year and $70 million left on Sandoval’s contract in no way guarantees the lumbering left-handed hitter a spot in the lineup.

Expect this competition to continue to dominate Boston sports headlines in the days to come, as the team is now just two weeks away from Opening Day and three weeks away from its home opener. Tickets to all remaining Red Sox Spring Training games as well as all regular season games at Fenway Park are available HERE.

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