FILE - In this Sept. 15, 2015, file photo, Boston Red Sox's Pablo Sandoval removes his helmet and walks out of the batter's box after striking out swinging to end the top of the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles in Baltimore. The Red Sox on Wednesday, July 19, 2017, have released Sandoval because the third baseman didn't report after being designated for assignment last week. It officially ends the Boston tenure for the once-celebrated free agent, who never was healthy enough to live up to the expectations that came with the $95 million contract he signed in 2014. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)
FILE - In this Sept. 15, 2015, file photo, Boston Red Sox's Pablo Sandoval removes his helmet and walks out of the batter's box after striking out swinging to end the top of the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles in Baltimore. The Red Sox on Wednesday, July 19, 2017, have released Sandoval because the third baseman didn't report after being designated for assignment last week. It officially ends the Boston tenure for the once-celebrated free agent, who never was healthy enough to live up to the expectations that came with the $95 million contract he signed in 2014. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)

San Francisco — Pablo Sandoval is back with the San Francisco Giants after agreeing on Saturday to a minor-league contract with his original major league team.

The 2012 World Series MVP walked into the Giants’ clubhouse as if he had never left, shaking hands with players and grabbing bullpen catcher and former teammate Eli Whiteside in a bear hug from behind.

It was a scene few people thought possible when Sandoval left on bitter terms following the 2014 season for a $95 million, five-year contract with Boston. Kung Fu Panda had just helped San Francisco win its third World Series title in five years.

Sandoval was apologetic upon his return and attributed his 2014 comments to immaturity.

“I learned my lesson,” a svelte and sunny Sandoval told the San Jose Mercury-News as he greeted reporters in the dugout he once filled with his chatter and custom handshakes. “I apologize to the fans, especially for the things that I said — both the things I said to (them and) my former teammates. There’s a lot of things out there, man.

“But the thing is I have to be respectful to the Giants organization. They give me the opportunity to be here. Now I get a second chance. I had a lot of special moments here. I have the greatest moments of my career here, so to have a second chance is the most important thing.”

Sandoval, who turns 31 next month, was expected to be the designated hitter for Class A San Jose late Saturday night and join Triple-A Sacramento on Tuesday.

Boston released Sandoval on Wednesday when the third baseman didn’t report after being designated for assignment last week.