Jerar Encarnacion will make his season debut later than expected due to a successful hand surgery, requiring eight weeks for recovery instead of the anticipated four-to-five weeks. Manager Bob Melvin acknowledged the likelihood of a longer recovery period. This circumstance has allowed infielder Casey Schmitt to step into the Opening Day roster as a designated hitter, capitalizing on his favorable track record against left-handed pitchers. Meanwhile, catcher Tom Murphy is still undergoing therapy for a herniated disk and is not yet able to participate in gameplay activities.
"Encarnacion underwent successful surgery on Friday in Los Angeles to repair his left hand fracture, and is expected to miss around eight weeks for recovery."
"Manager Bob Melvin indicated that the timeline for Encarnacion's recovery was always going to be longer than his initial estimate of four-to-five weeks."
"With Encarnacion's injury, infielder Casey Schmitt has secured a spot on the Opening Day roster, providing an added right-handed bat against left-handed pitchers."
"Melvin noted Casey Schmitt's strong performance against lefties as a significant factor in allowing him to make the team despite Encarnacion's absence."
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