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The SF Giants have been fairly healthy this season for the most part. Outside of Casey Schmitt going on the IL, the most severe injury occurred in spring training with Jerar Encarnacion. However, there is a positive update on the slugger’s health.

Encarnacion was swinging a very hot bat in the Cactus League before he broke his left hand and had to undergo surgery. The injury was supposed to sideline him for eight weeks so San Francisco recently moved him to the 60-day IL.

SF Giants receive good news on injured slugger Jerar Encarnacion

Yet, the news has taken a turn for the better with Encarnacion. Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area recently reported that Encarnacion has begun taking light swings with a bat this week. He is still quite far off from making a return to the big leagues as he is not eligible to return until late May and will likely have to undergo a rehab assignment before rejoining the Giants, but it is a positive development nonetheless.

The Giants could certainly use a bat like his in the lineup. He showcased his raw power in spring training and is a guy who can hit the ball out of the ballpark with regularity which would be welcome in a Giants lineup that can certainly run cold at times.

Wilmer Flores has done an admirable job as the designated hitter with Encarnacion on the shelf. Even though the veteran has cooled off after his torrid start, he has helped the Giants win several games with his bat which has been huge. But it would not hurt to have an extra bat that can be productive in the DH.

Last season with the Giants, Encarnacion slashed .248/.277/.425 with five home runs and 19 runs batted in. It was a small sample size in only 35 games but it was enough to get excited about going into 2025.

It is unfortunate that Encarnacion’s injury robbed him of the chance to make the Opening Day roster, but we can only hope that when he is healthy and ready to go his timing is still intact and he can do some damage for the Giants.

The fact that he is starting to swing a bat again is a very positive sign. If he has no setbacks and progresses as planned perhaps we will see him back in action in a little over a month.