SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The San Francisco Giants have been dealt an early setback for the upcoming season as outfielder Jerar Encarnación is set to miss the opening weeks due to a left hand injury. Encarnación sustained the injury after fracturing a bone while attempting a diving catch last Friday.
This development sidelines Encarnación, who was also in contention for the designated hitter role, for approximately four to five weeks. Giants’ Manager Bob Melvin has mentioned that surgery is being considered as a potential course of action to address the injury.
Encarnación showed promising form in spring training, posting a .302 batting average with two home runs and 14 RBIs. Despite a somewhat modest performance last season, hitting .248 with five home runs and 19 RBIs over 113 at-bats, he was poised for a key role in the team.
Originally from the Dominican Republic, Encarnación made his first appearance in the major leagues with the Miami Marlins in 2022. He subsequently joined the Giants as a free agent in May of last year.
