Blue Jays Edwin Encarnacion undergoes sports hernia surgery

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Toronto Blue Jays slugger Edwin Encarnacion has reportedly undergone successful surgery for a sports hernia which was not made public during the 2015 season. The Blue Jays expect Encarnacion to make a full recovery in time for spring training. 

Encarnacion enjoyed one of his finest campaigns in his seventh season with the Blue Jays, benefitting from the stockpile of big bats surrounding him. The 32-year old hit 39 home runs with a .277 average, good for a whopping 111 RBI. Encarnacion has a club option for 2016 valued at $10 million which, obviously, is a no-brainer. It’s past 2016, however, where the Blue Jays will be facing a very difficult decision with Encarnacion and Jose Bautista.

With swing mechanics like Encarnacion’s, it’s impressive that a core injury did not hamper him further. It’s also unfortunate that Encarnacion continues to come across injuries like these, but he’s appeared in at least 128 games in each of the past five seasons.

Depending on the moves made in the upcoming offseason, Encarnacion is likely to be a full-time DH outside of interleague play in 2016. Chris Colabello and Justin Smoak will remain in the picture at first base, but if there’s one area where the Jays could afford to bring in a complimentary bat, it may be there.

Add Encarnacion to a list including Michael Saunders and Devon Travis, who will both look to fully rehab and resume baseball activities in time for spring training.

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