Yankees Acquire Slugger Edwin Encarnacion from Mariners

On Saturday, the New York Yankees acquired Edwin Encarnacion from the Seattle Mariners for minor league pitcher Juan Then and cash considerations. Encarnacion currently leads the American League in home runs.

Encarnacion is 36 and thus far through 65 games has 21 home runs. The slugger from the Dominican Republic has hit 18 home runs in Yankee Stadium, the second most of any stadium that he has not called home trailing just Fenway Park.

At his point, it would seem Encarnacion will play the role of designated hitter. That slot in the batting order has included Gary Sanchez and Luke Voit, but even Clint Frazier has spent time at DH this season.

In just days, Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton could return to the Yankees as both are ending their rehab assignments in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre the Yankees Triple-A affiliate.

Stanton should return to the Yankees Tuesday when New York plays the second game of a three-game series at home against Tampa Bay.

Encarnacion, who has sat out the last three Seattle games with back soreness, could also provide much needed depth at first and third base, both positions he has previously played and where New York has need.

Gio Urshela has taken over third base after Miguel Andujar was lost for the season following shoulder surgery while Voit emerged as the starter at first during spring training.

Encarnacion has seven straight seasons with 30 or more home runs entering 2018, which is the longest active streak in baseball.

The veteran slugger has 401 home runs during his career with 284 hit since 2012, which is the most hit over that span by an American League player.

Over each of the last seven seasons, Encarnacion has hit at least 32 home runs and knocked in 98 or more runs.

First base appears the immediate spot for Encarnacion and the veteran has split duties there and as DH this season with Seattle.