ARLINGTON, Texas — Edwin Encarnacion said he will be able to play Friday when the Yankees and Twins open the ALDS at Yankee Stadium.
Nevertheless, the DH/first baseman explained a strained left oblique hasn’t completely healed.
“If I am not 100 percent, I am close,’’ said Encarnacion who hasn’t played since Sept. 12 and won’t participate in Sunday’s season-finale against the Rangers.
Encarnacion has been putting on a power show in early batting practice this week but not quite convinced he can let it go.
“I don’t feel it, but the confidence is not quite there to get into a game,’’ Encarnacion said before the Yankees’ 9-4 loss to the Rangers on Saturday night. “I want to play in the playoffs.’’
The Yankees are simulated games slated for Tuesday and Wednesday at the Stadium and the plan is for Encarnacion to play in them.
“Not 100 percent but close, 80 to 85,’’ said Encarnacion, who explained he could play first base. “I am playing catching, running and doing everything.’’
Tyler Wade’s ability to play three infield spots, all three outfield positions and his speed on the basepaths has been a factor in him possibly being included on the 25-man post-season roster.
Friday night Wade crashed into the center field wall chasing Scott Heineman’s ninth-inning homer. Wade then came up empty diving for Delino DeShields’ sinking liner. In between pitches Wade twisted his upper body, bent over at the waits and looked uncomfortable but remained in the game.
Wade said the head-first dive left him sore in the left shoulder/neck area more than backing into the fence.
Wade entered Saturday night’s as a pinch-hitter in the seventh inning and went 1-for-2.