Jerar Encarnación DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

The San Francisco Giants are saying that outfielder Jerar Encarnacion (hand) could play in minor-league rehab games as early as this weekend, and it looks like he's on track to be fully ready when he's eligible to come off the 60-day injured list on May 23, according to NBC Sports Bay Area's Alex Pavlovic. Encarnacion has yet to make his 2025 season debut after having surgery to fix a fractured left hand in late March, but he should be back with the Giants before the calendar flips to June. The 27-year-old Dominican was swinging a hot bat in spring training before his injury and looked to be in line for a regular role as the team's designated hitter, so fantasy managers in deeper leagues should keep a watchful eye on what his role is when he returns from the IL. In 35 games for San Fran in 2024, Encarnacion hit .248/.277/.425 with five home runs, 19 RBI and 13 runs scored in 119 trips to the plate.

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.