Pablo Sandoval reported to Fort Myers, Florida, where the Boston Red Sox spend spring training, eight days early on Thursday.

Sandoval had season-ending surgery last May.

He was seen taking swings from both sides of the plate at JetBlue Park and looked noticeably slimmer than he has in the past.

Sandoval has disappointed since signing a five-year, $95 million contract with the Red Sox prior to the 2015 season. In December, he admitted he got "complacent" after striking the big deal and pledged to start his career all over again with his shoulder healed.

"He worked his tail off," Jackie Bradley Jr. said. "You can definitely tell he's worked hard.

"Happy to see him. And happy to see him happy. He's a difference-maker. He's able to impact the game. We have faith that he's going to do very well.

"He has a chip on his shoulder, and I love that. I know he wants to get back and play in his element. People always doubt you, even if you're Mike Trout. You have to believe in yourself. You focus on that and getting better and not let the outside distractions bother you."