GatewayRedbirds.com

Posted: **April 20 07, 2:40 am**

Encarnacion goes deep

Disabled outfielder Juan Encarnacion hit a two-run home run Wednesday in his first game appearance since undergoing surgery in December to repair a torn ligament in his left wrist.

Last season’s starting right fielder went one for three as a designated hitter in an extended spring training game in Jupiter, Fla. His home run against a Florida Marlins minor-league squad cleared trees beyond a center-field fence.

After suffering a setback in spring training, Encarnacion received a cortisone injection to relieve irritation believed caused by scar tissue and was shut down for the balance of camp.

The Cardinals hope to place Encarnacion on a rehab assignment before month’s end. As a position player, he is eligible to remain on the assignment for 20 days before being activated.

Posted: **April 20 07, 3:24 am**

hope all does go well for him, and that if he is hitting homeruns and such in exhibition games that he doesnt get rushed back...

Cause Juan Encarnacion is not someone I think can be the cure all to the lineup.. course stranger things have happened...

Posted: **April 20 07, 10:46 am**

We'd be harping on Juan if he were in the lineup right now. He'd be right there with everyone else hitting terribly.