Jerar Encarnación DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

San Francisco Giants outfielder Jerar Encarnacion (hand) underwent successful surgery on Friday and is targeting a return to the lineup in eight weeks. Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay noted that while Encarnacion is sidelined, Wilmer Flores will likely operate as the primary designated hitter. Encarnacion suffered a fracture in his left hand earlier in camp. He was expected to serve as a top option at designated hitter at the start of the campaign. Last season, Encarnacion appeared in career-high 36 contests and posted a .248/.277/.425 slash line. However, under the hood, he generated an elite .275 xBA with a .501 xSLG, which suggests he should have positive regression when he returns to the lineup. For now, fantasy managers should expect Flores to be the primary DH in San Francisco.

San Francisco Giants outfielder Jerar Encarnacion (hand) is set to undergo surgery on his fractured left hand on Friday. He suffered this injury during spring training. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as the team will likely provide a definitive timetable following the operation. Encarnacion was in a good position to make the Opening Day roster and potentially have an everyday spot in the starting nine. Last season, Encarnacion appeared in a career-high 35 games and posted a .248/.277/.425 slash line with five doubles and five home runs. Across this short stint, he generated an elite .348 xwOBA with a .501 xSLG and a 58.8 percent hard-hit rate. While he is sidelined, Wilmer Flores will likely continue to serve as the everyday DH in San Francisco.

San Francisco Giants outfielder Jerar Encarnacion (hand) has been diagnosed with a fractured left hand, according to the team. Encarnacion recently fractured his hand while attempting to make a diving catch in a Cactus League game and will now be forced to miss at least the next couple of weeks, and possibly more. It's a tough blow for the Giants and the 27-year-old Dominica, who was hitting .302 (16-for-53) with two home runs, seven doubles, 14 RBI and four runs scored in 20 games played this spring. Encarnacion should still have a big role for San Francisco when he's healed, primarily as their designated hitter, but this news certainly puts a damper on what had been a rising fantasy value. With Encarnacion sidelined for the foreseeable future, veteran Wilmer Flores might be the biggest beneficiary for DH at-bats to open the season in San Fran.