**Giants Activate Jerar Encarnacion, Option Luis Matos to Triple-A**

The San Francisco Giants made a notable roster move ahead of their game against the San Diego Padres, activating first baseman and corner outfielder Jerar Encarnacion from the 60-day injured list. To make room for Encarnacion, outfielder Luis Matos has been optioned to Triple-A Sacramento. This adjustment increases the team’s 40-man roster count to 39 players.

Encarnacion, who is making his return after a lengthy absence, suffered a broken bone in his left hand during Spring Training when he dove for a ball. The subsequent surgery sidelined him for the initial two months of the season. Prior to his injury, Encarnacion had a promising opportunity for playing time, particularly against left-handed pitching. He was anticipated to contribute as a platoon player at first base alongside LaMonte Wade Jr. and as a designated hitter.

Wilmer Flores has performed well enough to secure his position as manager Bob Melvin’s preferred choice for DH. However, the struggles of LaMonte Wade Jr. at first base have been significant. Wade, a left-handed hitter, is carrying a dismal .167/.271/.271 slash line into tonight's matchup. Historically, Wade has excelled at getting on base, achieving an on-base percentage above .370 in the previous two seasons, but this year has been notably difficult. Despite his struggles, Wade continues to see considerable playing time against right-handed pitchers, while Casey Schmitt has also had a few opportunities at first base, though his performance has been lackluster, hitting just .195 with no home runs in 15 games.

Encarnacion, 27, made an impact in his brief stint late last year, appearing in 35 games and hitting five homers with a .425 slugging percentage. However, his .248 batting average and .277 on-base percentage indicate there is room for improvement. His major league experience also includes 23 games with the Marlins in 2022.

As the Giants face San Diego right-hander Stephen Kolek tonight, Wade remains the starting first baseman. Melvin has indicated that performance will be key in determining future playing time. "It's going to be about performance here. If [Wade] starts to take off here he might see more playing time, and if not, you might see Jerar a little bit more," Melvin told reporters, as reported by Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area.

This situation is especially pertinent as the Giants, currently sporting a 33-26 record, approach the trade deadline. Prospects like Bryce Eldridge and Marco Luciano are considerations, but both have hurdles. Eldridge, at 20 years old, is yet to make his Triple-A debut, and Luciano has been struggling at Triple-A Sacramento with a .212/.335/.394 line over 52 games, making him a less-than-ideal immediate solution.

The activation of Encarnacion presents the Giants with an opportunity to reassess and strengthen their roster as they aim to sustain their positive trajectory in the season.