The San Francisco Giants continued to reshape their roster this week, designating outfielder Jerar Encarnación for assignment as part of a broader wave of moves aimed at sparking production.

Encarnación’s removal from the 40-man roster comes alongside the optioning of outfielder Will Brennan to Triple-A Sacramento. These transactions follow the previously reported promotions of top prospects Bryce Eldridge and Jesús Rodríguez, signaling a clear shift toward younger talent.

In additional moves, the club recalled right-hander Trevor McDonald while placing left-hander Erik Miller on the 15-day Injured List due to a lower back strain, retroactive to May 1.

Encarnación, 27, joined the organization on a minor-league deal in 2024 after an eye-catching stint in Mexico, where he posted video-game-like offensive numbers. He carried that momentum into Triple-A, earning a late-season call-up and a spot on the major league roster.

However, sustained success at the highest level never materialized.

Over parts of two seasons with San Francisco, Encarnación struggled to find consistency at the plate. In limited major league action, he produced a subpar slash line, with issues in plate discipline and contact limiting his impact.

His performance in 2026 proved particularly difficult as he failed to generate offensive momentum early in the season.

Injuries also played a role in derailing his tenure. Throughout 2025, Encarnación dealt with multiple setbacks, including hand, oblique, and hamstring issues that interrupted his ability to establish rhythm.

The Giants’ offense as a whole has been inconsistent, and Encarnación ultimately became one of the roster casualties as the team looks for answers. Because he is out of minor-league options, the club had limited flexibility, leading to his designation for assignment.

San Francisco now has up to a week to determine Encarnación’s next step, whether through a trade or the waiver process. Given his recent struggles, he could pass through waivers unclaimed.

If that happens, then he would have the option to elect free agency rather than accept an outright assignment, setting the stage for a potential fresh start elsewhere.

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