From Ben Nicholson-Smith of Toronto’s Sportsnet comes word that Edwin Encarnacion is out of the Blue Jays’ starting lineup Tuesday night against the Athletics because of lingering discomfort in his left middle finger. EE jammed the finger in late July and hasn’t really had time to fully recover.
He also sat out of Sunday afternoon’s series finale at Yankee Stadium, a big 2-0 victory for Toronto.
Justin Smoak is starting at first base and Chris Colabello is at DH as the Blue Jays open a three-game set at home versus the visiting Athletics.
Encarnacion is considered day-to-day for now. The 32-year-old slugger has 21 home runs and 64 RBI in 104 games this season for the Jays, who are just 1 1/2 games back of the Yankees in the American League East standings.