Jerar

Encarnacion

Encarnacion was DFA’ed off the Giants roster in May. The 28-year-old has hit .211/.237/.362 in 291 MLB plate appearances, but is a career .260/.359/.481 hitter with 54 homers in four seasons at the Triple-A level. He’ll look to re-establish his career overseas.

Rather than accepting an outright assignment to Triple-A Sacramento from the Giants, Encarnacion will see what’s out there on the open market. The 28-year-old has hit just .176 (6-for-34) with no homers in 35 plate appearances at the big league level this season.

Encarnacion has always been a fascinating talent given his massive frame and stratospheric raw power. He’s struggled to gain any traction at the highest level in recent years and the Giants are finally moving on to give top prospect Bryce Eldridge a sustained opportunity in the majors. The 28-year-old slugger was hitting just .176 (6-for-34) with zero homers in 35 plate appearances over 17 games this season.

He had started the five previous games, but he’ll grab a little rest ahead of game two of the doubleheader with Jerar Encarnacion taking his first start in six days. Gilbert’s off to a .243/.282/.405 start with two homers in his first 40 plate appearances. It’s about what you’d expect, as Gilbert showcased some power in his 39-game sample last year but also struggled with contact.

Bader and Lee are the notable regulars taking a seat with Jared Oliva getting a chance in center field and Jerar Encarnacion heading out to right field in this one.

Schmitt has been dealing with back tightness since last Friday. It’ll be Rafael Devers handling the cold corner on Monday night for the second consecutive contest with Jerar Encarnacion at DH to face Phillies rookie Andrew Painter.

Schmitt was scratched from the lineup Friday with tightness in his back, and he’ll miss Saturday’s game and likely Sunday’s as well. Consider the 27-year-old day-to-day. Christian Koss has started taking reps at first base before games and could be an option at some point, but Jerar Encarnacion likely will see the not-as-hot corner starts for now.

Schmitt was a late scratch Friday due to tightness in his back, and the 27-year-old will sit to begin Saturday’s game as well. Jerar Encarnacion is hitting ninth and playing first in Schmitt’s absence.

Jerar Encarnacion will make his first start of the season in place of Schmitt, who is day-to-day.

Gilbert’s departure makes it a near-lock that Jerar Encarnacion along with either Luis Matos or Jared Oliva will break camp in the big leagues.