It took just two minor league rehab games and eight at-bats for Edwin Encarnacion to know he was prepared to rejoin the Yankees’ lineup Tuesday night.
“I wanted to make sure I was 100 percent,’’ Encarnacion said before serving as the DH and hitting a two-run homer in the Yankees’ 10-1 win over the Rangers at the Stadium. “I’m happy to be back.”
Encarnacion said there were no lingering issues from the fractured right wrist he suffered when he was hit by a pitch from the Red Sox’s Josh Smith on Aug. 3 at the Stadium.
“Nothing,’’ he said. “I feel strong. I feel as strong as I did before. That’s why I’m here.’’
He proved it by hitting the Yankees’ fifth home run of the night. It was his 10th homer since joining the Yankees in June, making him the 13th on the team to reach double-digit home runs this season, a new MLB record — breaking the one the Bombers set a year ago.
Encarnacion had been on a bit of a tear before he got hurt. Over his previous 18 games, the right-handed slugger had gone 24-for-71 with seven doubles, five home runs, 10 walks and 18 strikeouts. His OPS during that span was 1.075.
“Edwin can hit and he knows he can hit,’’ Aaron Boone said. “As long as he’s been in the league, he has an understanding of other pitchers and what they’re trying to do, but also what makes him tick and be successful. He has a real keen understanding of what he needs to be right.”
The manager doesn’t expect there to be any restrictions on the 36-year-old and Encarnacion added he was also ready to play first base, if need be. He took grounders at first on Tuesday.



