Encarnacion, who had surgery on his left wrist in December to have a
ligament realigned, has been on the Disabled List since the beginning of
the 2007 season. He is expected to be with Springfield for the
duration of the eight-game home stand, which begins tomorrow night against the
Wichita Wranglers at 7:10pm.
In his first year with St. Louis, Encarnacion batted .278 with 19
homers and 79 RBIs in 153 games, helping the Cards win their first World
Series in 24 years.
Juan went 1-for-3 and walked in yesterday’s extended spring training game in Jupiter, Florida with the hit coming as a two-run home run, his second homer in three games played at extended.
Encarnacion becomes the third St. Louis Cardinals' player to see time
with Springfield on a Major League rehab assignment, joining pitcher Cal
Eldred and outfielder Larry Bigbie over the last three seasons. Eldred
pitched in three games for Springfield in June of 2005 at Hammons
Field. Bigbie didn't appear in any home games at Hammons Field, but did
play in six road games in July and August of 2006.
Depending on his progress, Encarnacion could join the Cardinals during their three game seris in Milwaukee from April 30 - May 2, or wait and join the club when they return to St. Louis to host the Houston Astros and Colorado Rockies, each for a three game series.