Pablo Sandoval, in his first spring training since signing with the Boston Red Sox, says he doesn't care if people are concerned about his weight.
His weight became a hot topic on social media Thursday when an unflattering photo surfaced.
"Let them talk, talk and criticize," Sandoval told the Spanish media. "No matter what they say, it will never change me or the player that I am."
The photo showed Sandoval's stomach protruding as he waited at third base for a ground ball during an infield drill.
"We live surrounded by critics, so let them talk, let them criticize me as much as they want. Ultimately that makes me a better player," Sandoval said. "What really matters is who you are when you step on the field, and I will let my bat and my glove speak for themselves. That's the only way you can shut them up.
"Critics have said that I am lazy, that I am not working hard; that picture caught me at a bad angle. But once again, let them say whatever they want to say. I will prove who I am on the field and show Boston fans how hard I am working to be a champion with this team, too."