Early in the Indians' ALDS Game 2 win over the Yankees on Friday, Cleveland slugger Edwin Encarnacion injured his right ankle while trying to avoid be doubled up on the bases ...
That looked bad, obviously, but fortunately an MRI showed no significant damage to his ankle. That brings us to Encarnacion's status for Game 3 on Sunday in the Bronx ...
Update on EE from Terry:
— AL Central champs! (@Indians) October 7, 2017
Feeling much better. Likely won't start tomorrow, but hasn't been ruled out from appearing in the game. pic.twitter.com/7eWwOWNDff
So he probably won't be in the starting lineup, but perhaps his ankle will be well enough to allow him a high-leverage plate appearance in the late innings.
To say the least, EE's a big part of the Cleveland attack. This season, the 34-year-old primary DH batted .258/.377/.504 (128 OPS+) with 38 home runs in 157 games. We'll know more when the Indians release their Game 3 lineup, but it seems likely that Michael Brantley will fill in at DH if Encarnacion is indeed unable to go.
