The Pablo plan: what Giants see in Sandoval now and in future

MIAMI - These final weeks for the woeful Giants are about finishing strong, staying healthy and, most important, making roster analysis for next season and beyond.

Picturing Sandoval as the Opening Day third baseman in 2018 is realistic, so long as he doesn’t trip over himself in the final month and a half.

Sandoval’s contract includes club options for both 2018 and 2019, so if he’s in San Francisco next season, the Giants are on the hook only for the minimum as Boston continues to pay off the rest of its $95 million commitment.

Sandoval was the lone Giant to start all six games on the trip, and that happened only because he talked himself into Wednesday’s lineup.

Manager Bruce Bochy asked him after Tuesday night’s game about resting in the finale, and Sandoval was animated with his objection.

[...] his wrist injuries detoured his road back to the big leagues, and it would be tough to count on him on an everyday basis until he gets more big-league reps.

Another third baseman, Ryder Jones, has been playing first base with Brandon Belt dealing with his latest concussion.

Again, we’re missing Arroyo getting critical at-bats right now, but we’re getting a chance to see Ryder, and that’s important.

Bochy has spoken about the need for energy and a presence that Sandoval can provide, on and off the field.

“He’s got a second chance,” said Sandoval’s agent, Rick Thurman, who was at the Miami series and also represents Hunter Pence (and Tim Lincecum).

The jury is still out whether teammates and fans will fully embrace Sandoval again, but Bochy likes that Sandoval is an aggressive hitter, and his right-handed swings - the numbers have been ugly - have been good lately.

John Shea is The San Francisco Chronicle’s national baseball writer.