SF Giants power bat reportedly set to begin a rehab assignment this weekend

The SF Giants lineup could soon receive a much-needed jolt. Jerar Encarnación is expected to begin a rehab assignment as soon as Saturday, per Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle.

SF Giants power bat reportedly set to begin a rehab assignment this weekend

The Giants were encouraged by Encarnación's strong spring and envisioned that he would be a regular in the lineup. However, he sustained a fractured finger while attempting to make a play on a ball near the end of the Cactus League.

He immediately underwent surgery, with an expected recovery time of six-to-eight weeks. The Giants initially placed him on the 10-day injured list, but transferred him to the 60-day injured list to make room for David Villar.

The move was made to open up a spot on the 40-man roster. Villar entered the season without any minor league options. He did not make the team, cleared waivers, and accepted an assignment to Triple-A. Within a few weeks, Villar had returned to the big league club.

On the other hand, transferring Encarnación to the 60-day injured list ensured that he would miss the first eight weeks of the season. The move was retroactive to the beginning of the year, meaning he is eligible to return on May 23.

When Encarnación returns, the Giants will need to make a move to add him back to the 40-man roster. The 40-man roster currently stands at 39 after the Giants cut ties with veteran reliever Lou Trivino.

Encarnación slashed .248/.277/.425 (94 wRC+) with five home runs, 19 RBI, and 13 runs in 119 plate appearances with San Francisco last season. He flashed impressive bat speed and raw power. He also struck out a bit too much, did not walk often, and hit too many ground balls. The on-base percentage and ground ball rate will be numbers to track when he returns.

Nevertheless, the 27-year-old's return should put immediate pressure on LaMonte Wade Jr. to perform. Wade Jr. has struggled to a .526 OPS with one home run and 13 RBI in 117 plate appearances this season. This looks to be an extension of last season's second-half struggles.

Wade Jr. has been the team's primary first baseman, which is a bat-first position. If he is not able to turn it around, the Giants could look to alternatives with Encarnación being one of the potential replacements.