Sep 15, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; San Francisco Giants outfielder Jerar Encarnacion (59) grounds out during the ninth inning against the San Diego Padres at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images | Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images

The SF Giants have struggled all season to get any production at first base. That could change once right-handed slugger Jerar Encarnacion returns from injury which may happen as soon as the team’s next home-stand.

This news comes via San Francisco Chronicle reporter Shayna Rubin who reported it on social media. Manager Bob Melvin said that the Giants could get him back when they return to San Francisco after their nine-game road trip.

SF Giants could get big offensive boost with slugger’s return

Encarnacion has been on the shelf since March when he fractured his hand diving for a ball in the outfield in a spring training game. It was a shame that he got hurt when he did because he was hitting the ball well in Arizona and seemed like a lock to make the team as an option at the corner outfield spots, first base, or as a designated hitter.

After he underwent surgery, it was reported that he would miss eight weeks as he recovered. That two months is coming up soon and Rubin wrote that the hope is Encarnacion can get in roughly a week of rehab games with the Sacramento River Cats before rejoining the Giants.

There was a bit of a false alarm a few weeks ago when it was reported Encarnacion could begin a rehab assignment as he only ended up playing in two games, but this time it does seem as if he is closer to returning. The Giants may have just wanted to be cautious so as to avoid any further injury.

Last season with the Giants he slashed .248/.277/.425 with five home runs and 19 runs batted in over 35 games. His raw power was impressive and he carried that power over into 2025 in spring training. One hopes he can pick up right where he left off in his rehab starts and feels comfortable and locked in when he makes his debut with the Giants this season.

The Giants really need him because their current first baseman LaMonte Wade Jr. is simply not cutting it at the plate right now. Wade’s batting average is nowhere near the .200 mark and it just seems like he is lost at the plate right now.

We have already advocated for the Giants using Casey Schmitt at first base more to see if they can get an offensive spark of some sort from the first base spot in the lineup, but Encarnacion is a more traditional power threat one would expect at first base which is why his return is so important and anticipated.

Let’s hope Encarnacion is feeling fully healthy and can begin his rehab assignment this week. The Giants need some help on offense and Encarnacion could be just the guy to give the lineup a bit of a spark.