Blair: Edwin Encarnacion wants to DH

Feb 21, 2014; Dunedin, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Edwin Encarnacion (10) before he takes batting practice as the Blue Jays work out at the Bobby Mattick Training Center. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports

So not to make too much about nothing but my Twitter feed started blowing up today after comments made by Jeff Blair on The Fan 590. Blair told listeners that Toronto Blue Jays’ slugger Edwin Encarnacion would rather DH than play first base.

@thethompsonkid I'll do it next hour. Bottom line is he's told Jays he'd rather DH. Does video work between ABs.
— Jeff Blair (@SNJeffBlair) February 27, 2014

When asked about Blair’s remarks, Encarnacion denied there was any truth to the report.

Edwin Encarnacion denies Toronto radio report he told #bluejays he didn't want to play first base. Told of report, he laughed.
— John Lott (@JohnCLott1) February 27, 2014

EE says he's happy to play first every day if needed. Of the report, he said, "I don't know where that came from."
— John Lott (@JohnCLott1) February 27, 2014

Encarnacion on report he told #BlueJays he doesn't want to play 1B anymore: "I never said that."
— Gregor Chisholm (@GregorChisholm) February 27, 2014

EE: "Whatever the manager wants to do, I'm ready for it. If I have to play everyday at 1B,I'll play.If I have to play both,I'm ready for it"
— Gregor Chisholm (@GregorChisholm) February 27, 2014

Encarnacion: "I don't have a preference, I just want to be in the lineup everyday, no matter where." #BlueJays
— Gregor Chisholm (@GregorChisholm) February 27, 2014

#Bluejays plan to split 1b-DH duties between EE and Lind, as they did last year.
— John Lott (@JohnCLott1) February 27, 2014

Clarifying: @GloBlair reporting EE has told #BlueJays he'd rather DH. EE laughs it off, says "whatever the manager wants."
— Shi Davidi (@ShiDavidi) February 27, 2014

Not unheard of that a player would say one thing privately and another publicly. Bottom line,doesn't matter. #BlueJays will platoon EE/Lind.
— Gregor Chisholm (@GregorChisholm) February 27, 2014

Like I said, it doesn’t sound like Encarnacion is taking the report too seriously but I guess it does make sense he would want to primarily DH. However he’s still adequate with the glove and gives the Jays much more flexibility when he is able to cover first base duties. If it helps him that significantly at the plate I’m sure the Jays would at least consider moving him off but, especially against left-handed lineups, Encarnacion will need to play in the field unless Moises Sierra learns how to play first.

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