CHICAGO — Can Edwin Encarnacion pitch?
Kidding, kidding. And you had best be kidding if you pose the same question.
Of course the Yankees’ surprise acquisition of the American League home run leader Encarnacion from the Mariners doesn’t cure their starting rotation woes, just as a much-needed, 8-4 bullpen victory over the White Sox on Saturday night at Guaranteed Rate Field (worst ballpark name ever) doesn’t end their general malaise — though it does put them back atop the American League East thanks to the Rays’ 5-3 loss to the Angels.
But if this starting-pitching trade market isn’t ready to uncork — and since the Yankees fell short in their pursuit of Dallas Keuchel — then you get better how you can each day.
And the addition of Encarnacion, who will essentially replace Brett Gardner in the starting lineup once Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton return from the injured list in the next week or so (barring setbacks), clearly makes the Yankees better.[
nypost.com]
