New York Yankees: Edwin Encarnacion Nears Return, Boone Says Sooner Than Later

New York Yankees slugger Edwin Encarnacion went down with a fractured wrist after being hit with a pitch earlier this month against the Boston Red Sox. The injury looked identically to Aaron Judge’s injury which sidelined him for roughly six weeks. However, recent reports indicate that Encarnacion is on his way soon.

Encarnacion has resumed baseball activities where he participated in throwing and fielding drills a few days ago. He’s also been hitting in the cage this week. Manager Aaron Boone has indicated that he should be back sooner rather than later. Although Boone wasn’t able to prove specifics he said, “Expect him back soon… he’s not too far off.”

The 36-year-old veteran will have to see live pitching before he begins a rehab assignment. He’ll most likely take live at-bats to make sure he’s okay to step back in a real game. Boone talked about this saying, “Hopefully he’ll start to see some pitching here pretty soon and feel like he’ll be an option in here.”

Encarnacion was one of the focal points in the New York Yankees’ offense this season. Prior to this injury, he was batting .240 with 30 home runs. Not much of a singles guy, the Yankees mainly added him earlier this season because of his pop. In his 36 games this season wearing pinstripes, Encarnacion is slashing .238/.327/.497. He’ll most likely alternate the DH spot with Luke Voit during the postseason.

Other New York Yankees players that are expected to return soon are Luis Severino, Dellin Betances, and Luke Voit.