VIDEO: Encarnacion crushes homer in minors game
Steve Russell / Toronto Star / Getty
Edwin Encarnacion's ailing oblique clearly didn't bother him on this swing, and he certainly appears ready to take at-bats in an official spring training game - the next step in the Toronto Blue Jays slugger's return to action.
The blast came off minor-league opposition Monday, but it's still an encouraging development for Encarnacion with Opening Day right around the corner.
Encarnacion is set to become a free agent at the conclusion of the 2016 season. He hopes to strike a contract extension with the Blue Jays prior to first pitch April 3, but the 33-year-old doesn't believe he fits into the team's long-term plans.