Griffin: Encarnacion optioned to Triple-A
Following the Jays' 9-6 loss to the Giants on Saturday, the club optioned third baseman Edwin Encarnacion to Triple-A Las Vegas and re-called infielder Jarrett Hoffpauir who is expected to take over the position. Encarnacion is working on a $4.75 million (U.S.) guaranteed contract and is eligible for salary arbitration following the 2010 season.
The decision to option the struggling Encarnacion was discussed on the recent west coast trip by GM Alex Anthopoulos and manager Cito Gaston. Following a hitless performance in four at-bats on Saturday accompanied by a two-base throwing error, the decision was made.
"We told him this wasn't permanent," Anthopoulos said. "If he goes down there, plays well, starts to get his swing going a little bit, he should be able to find his way back here. We explained to him Jose Bautista went through the same thing with the Pirates when we acquired him."
Encarnacion was batting .200 in 37 games, with seven errors. He began the season on the major-league roster, but was disabled due to a wrist problem, bounced back strong with in late-May hitting home runs as his first five hits off the disabled list, but has slumped again.
Hoffpauir at Vegas was hitting .332, with nine homers and 43 RBIs in 56 games.
I wonder how much this has to do with attitude as well. I heard him get ripped by Jerry and Alan for not hustling one game on the road trip. And then today he didn't even try to run out a dropped third strike.
Posted by: Bo B | June 20, 2010 at 07:24 PM
Well, seeing Encarnacion jog to first base after hitting a ground ball with absolutely no intention of trying to beat the throw to first, I'm surprised he wasn't benched. Also, of course, is his long slump. Not "hustling" while collecting a large cheque is a shame. He should be thankful he has, or had, a MLB baseball "job."
Posted by: Dugger | June 20, 2010 at 09:47 PM
Johnnie Mac is a better hitter than Edwin except for the odd burst of power. We're better with Bautista at 3rd. Lind in left and Lewis in right until Snyder comes back!
Go Jays Go! They are awesome!
Posted by: Vg | June 20, 2010 at 11:00 PM
Can someome please tell me why the Blue Jays decided to convert Wallace to first base from third when there are no real 3b prospects to speak of in the system and Lind could play first allowing us to keep both Bautista and Snider in the lineup? Also since Lind can play first and wouldnt the outfielder we sent to oakland for Wallace be more useful?
Posted by: OL | June 20, 2010 at 11:24 PM
Jays are going nowhere with a punch and judy hitter at 1st base and a Riccardi malcontent at 3rd base. Its time dump the remnants of the idiotic Riccardi and see what Brett Wallace can do. Move Batista back to 3rd base and put Snyder in RF.
Posted by: James C. | June 20, 2010 at 11:55 PM
Encarnacion is a very good player although he hasn't done much lately. He is sure to bounce back in a strong way and contribute to the Blue Jay team as he had before.
Posted by: Sandra | June 21, 2010 at 09:35 AM
Not an EE fan. Interested to see what Hoffpauir can do.
Posted by: Wellandblueblood | June 21, 2010 at 09:40 AM
Non-tender candidate?
Posted by: BJ Fledgling | June 21, 2010 at 10:06 AM
Should put johnny mac at third base!
Posted by: Anita | June 21, 2010 at 10:55 AM
I think the only reason why the Jays kept EE on the roster was because of his salary - nothing to do with his playing ability...
How quickly we forget that he drove in all three runs in the previous game for the win. Oh well...not hustling doesn't make up for it.
Go Jays Go!
Posted by: mathuc | June 21, 2010 at 12:01 PM
maybe with the season he is having could there be some interest in a starting pitcher/vernon wells package trade it can't hurt!
Posted by: frank | June 21, 2010 at 01:12 PM
"The Hoff" is hitting well in AAA, seems like a no-brainer. EE has been mainly garbage.
Posted by: ernie witt | June 21, 2010 at 04:53 PM
So what did we get for Rolen?
Posted by: Neil | June 21, 2010 at 09:51 PM