San Francisco Giants outfielder and designated hitter Jerar Encarnacion has suffered a fractured left hand, the team announced on Saturday. The injury occurred during Friday’s spring training game when Encarnacion attempted to make a catch in the outfield. As of Saturday, it remained unclear how long he would be sidelined.
Encarnacion was a strong candidate for the Giants’ full-time designated hitter role this season. He had been performing exceptionally well in spring training, tallying two home runs and 14 RBIs—ranking second in the Cactus League—while maintaining a .302 batting average. His injury could impact the team’s plans for the upcoming season.
Encarnacion’s Journey from Marlins Debut to Giants Key Player Aspirations
Originally signed by the Miami Marlins as an international free agent in 2015, Encarnacion made his Major League Baseball debut in 2022. During his initial season, he played in 23 games, recording three home runs, 14 RBIs, and two stolen bases while posting a .182/.210/.338 batting line.
Encarnacion later joined the Giants on a minor league deal in 2024. He appeared in 35 games with the team, contributing five home runs, 19 RBIs, and one stolen base with a batting line of .248/.277/.425. His recent injury is a setback as he was looking to establish himself as a key player for San Francisco this season.
