ARLINGTON, Texas — The belief earlier in the week was that Edwin Encarnacion was ahead of Gary Sanchez in terms of who would be able to return first from injury.
Nevertheless, Sanchez started Friday night when the Yankees pounded the Rangers, 14-7, at Globe Life Park and Encarnacion was on the bench after an impressive early batting practice display.
“Just something he and I talked about. He hit on the field and looked good, but I think mentally he is not over the hump yet,’’ Aaron Boone said of Encarnacion, who hasn’t played since suffering a left oblique injury on Sept.