Edwin Encarnacion didn't make the most solid impression in New York on Monday as he made his Yankees debut, but he has time to make it right and promises there's more to come.
The 36-year-old first baseman was hitless during the Yankees' 3-0 win over the Rays in the opener of their three-game series at Yankee Stadium, going 0 for 4 as the designated hitter two days after being traded from the Mariners.
But Encarnacion told reporters after the game he's still adjusting and there's no reason to be discouraged.
"I saw a lot of pitches. I feel good. I'm just missing a couple of pitches that I know I can hit,'' he said, per ESPN.com. "It's part of the game. I'll get them tomorrow.''
Encarnacion, acquired Saturday from Seattle for right-handed pitcher Juan Then and cash considerations, will soon be joined by fellow sluggers Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge after they wrap up their respective rehab stints.
Stanton has been limited to three games this season due to a strained left bicep but is expected to come off the injured list Tuesday. Judge, who has played in just 20 games, could follow in a few days after being sidelined with an oblique strain.
"I can't wait to see that. It's going to be fun,'' Encarnacion said. "We're going to hit a lot of homers, and we're going to win a lot of games, too.''
"We're gonna hit a lot of homers and win a lot of games too" - Edwin Encarnacion is excited to join the Yankees as they're on the verge of getting their healthy lineup back pic.twitter.com/L8rC072dYr
— SNY (@SNYtv) June 17, 2019
Encarnacion has a .237/.352/.522 slash line with 49 RBIs and entered play Monday leading the American League with 21 home runs.
The three-time All-Star has hit at least 32 homers each of his last seven seasons.