Encarnacion hits grand slam in MLB debut

Former Jacksonville outfielder becomes first player since at least 1901 to record grand slam, OF assist & stolen base in debut

Former Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp outfielder Jerar Encarnacion became the first player since at least 1901 to hit a grand slam, steal a base and record an outfield assist in his major league debut during Sunday's game for the Miami Marlins. (Tim Davis/tdphotography)

By Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp

June 20, 2022

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Former Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp outfielder Jerar Encarnacion became the first player since at least 1901 to hit a grand slam, steal a base and record an outfield assist in his major league debut during Sunday’s game for the Miami Marlins at the New York Mets from Citi

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Former Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp outfielder Jerar Encarnacion became the first player since at least 1901 to hit a grand slam, steal a base and record an outfield assist in his major league debut during Sunday’s game for the Miami Marlins at the New York Mets from Citi Field in New York.

Encarnacion belted the go-ahead grand slam in the seventh inning to help lift Miami to a 6-2 win over the Mets. In addition to his defense and base running prowess, Encarnacion also scored a pair of runs in his 1-for-4, 4 RBI-day.

A native of Bayaguana in the Dominican Republic, Encarnacion began the 2022 season with Double-A Pensacola, where he hit .358/.427/.583/1.010 with three doubles, eight home runs, 18 RBIs and 26 runs scored in 31 games. He was promoted to Jacksonville on May 17, and in 26 games with the Jumbo Shrimp, slashed .260/.336/.442/.779 with four doubles, five homers, 10 RBIs and 14 runs scored. He earned his promotion to the Marlins on June 17.

Originally signed by the Marlins as a non-drafted free agent on September 8, 2015, Encarnacion played with the Rookie-level DSL Marlins in 2016 and GCL Marlins in 2017. He earned Mid-Season All-Star honors with Short Season Class A Batavia in 2018, hitting .284/.305/.448/.753 with 14 doubles, two triples, four home runs, 24 RBIs and 30 runs scored in 43 games before earning a promotion to Low-A Greensboro.

Encarnacion was named a Mid-Season All-Star again in 2019 with Low-A Clinton, batting .298/.363/.478/.841 with 16 doubles, 10 home runs, 43 RBIs and 34 runs scored in 68 games before finishing the season with High-A Jupiter. He spent the 2021 campaign with Low-A Jupiter and Double-A Pensacola.

In addition to Encarnacion, former Jumbo Shrimp infielder Joe Dunand (May 7, Miami Marlins) and right-handers Chad Smith (May 29, Colorado Rockies), Jason Alexander (June 1, Milwaukee Brewers) and Aneurys Zabala (June 12, Miami Marlins) have also made their major league debuts so far during the 2022 season. Encarnacion is the 940th player to don both a Jacksonville uniform and play in the major leagues. The history of Minor League Baseball in Jacksonville dates back to 1904.

ABOUT THE JUMBO SHRIMP: The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp offer affordable family fun at 121 Financial Ballpark. Their inaugural season garnered the Southern League’s Don Mincher Organization of the Year, Promotional Trophy and Jimmy Bragan Executive of the Year, won by general manager Harold Craw. The club added its second Promotional Trophy in three years following the 2019 season. The 2021 season marked the return of Triple-A baseball in Jacksonville. To experience the excitement with the terrific value of ticket and group options, call the Jumbo Shrimp at (904) 358-2846 or visit www.jaxshrimp.com.