CHICAGO — Edwin Encarnacion doesn’t solve the Yankees’ need for a starting pitcher but he certainly will add muscle to a lineup that is in the process of inserting big biceps.
Acquired from the Mariners on Saturday night for minor league pitching prospect Juan Then, Encarnacion will debut Monday in the first of three games against the Rays at Yankee Stadium.
That is the first infusion of powerful right-handed bats. Giancarlo Stanton is scheduled to return from the injured list on Tuesday. The Yankees haven’t set an exact date for Aaron Judge to come off the IL but have indicated it could be during the upcoming 10-game home stand that begins Monday.