Jerar Encarnacion Undergoes Surgery, Expected to Miss Eight Weeks
The San Francisco Giants will be without outfielder Jerar Encarnacion for approximately eight weeks following surgery on his fractured left hand. The injury occurred during a spring training matchup on March 21, when Encarnacion attempted to make a catch in the outfield.
Spring Training Performance
Before his injury, the 27-year-old had been a strong contender for the Giants’ full-time designated hitter position. His spring training statistics included:
- 2 home runs
- 14 RBIs
- .302 batting average
Career Overview
Encarnacion began his professional career after being signed as an international free agent by the Miami Marlins in 2015. He made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut with the Marlins in 2022, during which he participated in 23 games, recording:
- 3 home runs
- 14 RBIs
- .182 batting average
In 2024, he joined the Giants on a minor league contract, appearing in 35 games and achieving:
- 5 home runs
- 19 RBIs
- .248 batting average
Impact on the Team
With Encarnacion sidelined, the Giants are adapting their lineup. In their recent game against the Cincinnati Reds, Casey Schmitt was assigned the designated hitter role, while Wilmer Flores occupied that position during the season opener on Thursday.
This injury marks a significant moment for the Giants as they look to maintain their competitive edge in the current season.