Jerar Encarnacion injury creates huge opportunity for 3 SF Giants

The SF Giants got some rough injury news Saturday morning when it was reported that designated hitter and outfielder Jerar Encarnacion has a fractured left hand. These three Giants now have a huge opportunity due to this bad news.

Encarnacion's injury occurred in Friday's Cactus League game against the Cleveland Guardians. The tall slugger was playing in right field and dove to try and catch a fly ball, injuring his hand in the process. He got X-rays done and unfortunately they revealed a hand fracture.

This is so unfortunate because Encarnacion was having such a great spring. In 53 at-bats he had 14 hits including two home runs and 14 RBI. He looked like an absolute lock to make the Opening Day roster, but now he is going to miss a good amount of time.

These three SF Giants can take advantage of Jerar Encarnacion injury

This news is unfortunate, but the Giants have to look ahead. Opening Day is just days away so the Giants need to pivot and figure out who will take Encarnacion's place. Let's look at the three Giants with the most to gain from this opportunity.

Grant McCray

As of right now, the speedy outfielder Grant McCray seems like the most likely candidate to take Encarnacion's place on the roster. He has done well this spring, recording 11 hits in 44 at-bats with a .389 on base percentage. He also has five stolen bases.

While he is certainly not as good of a hitter as Encarnacion, he will benefit the roster with his defense in the outfield and his speed. He would also be relied upon more if Jung Hoo Lee starts the season on the injured list which is a distinct possibility given his back injury even though his MRI came back clean.

Wilmer Flores

Encarnacion and Wilmer Flores shared very similar profiles as defensively limited players who would mainly be used as a DH. Encarnacion's injury now means that Flores figures to be the team's main DH to start the season and we may also see him play at first base.

Flores had a rough 2024 in large part due to injury, but he has looked much stronger so far this year. He has ten hits, including two home runs, in Cactus League play and looks to be much healthier. The Giants are going to need him to step up and hit well now that Encarnacion is out.

Jake Lamb

The final Giant who may receive more opportunity due to the injury is infielder Jake Lamb. The Giants brought the veteran into camp as a non-roster invite to see if he had anything left in the tank. He has done alright, getting nine hits including three doubles in 33 at-bats this spring.

Really, the only way Lamb probably makes the roster is if Lee starts the season on the injured list as well. That way, McCray would be taking the place of Lee in essence while Lamb would be a sort of stand-in for Encarnacion and could potentially see time at DH against right-handed pitching since he is a left-handed hitter.

The Giants are light on left-handed hitters amongst their infield, so Lamb would provide a little balance to the mix.

No player wants to see a teammate get injured, but the Giants must adapt and move on after this rough injury news regarding Encarnacion. These three Giants now have an opportunity in front of them so we will have to see if they take advantage of it.