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Chicago White Sox designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion couldn't have envisioned that he'd still be without an at-bat with his new team when May rolled around, but the coronavirus outbreak put a damper on his first season on the South Side.
As Major League Baseball continues to discuss plans for the return of the 2020 season, the veteran slugger, who signed a one-year deal in January, estimated how long he thinks players would need to prepare.
"I'd just like to see pitches," Encarnacion said Wednesday, according to Vinnie Duber of NBC Sports Chicago. "It isn't going to take more than three weeks. If they give us three weeks, I think I'd be grateful."
A recent rumor suggested a second spring training could begin June 10, with Opening Day possibly following on July 1. If those projected dates are accurate, Encarnacion would get the three weeks he's seeking.
"I just want to play, and I'm ready to play, and we are waiting to see what's going to happen," the 37-year-old said.
Encarnacion is entering his 16th season in the majors. He hit .244/.344/.531 with 34 home runs and 86 RBIs last season, which he began with the Seattle Mariners and ended with the New York Yankees.
