Yankees manager Aaron Boone said he doesn’t expect Edwin Encarnacion to start swinging a bat until next week at the earliest while he recovers from a strained oblique.
“We just have to trust the healing process,’’ said Boone, who added Encarnacion is pain-free.
The slugger will continue to do range of motion exercises. On Monday, Encarnacion said he expects to be back before the end of the regular season.
The Yankees are also waiting for the return of Gary Sanchez from a strained groin.
“We’re optimistic by the end of the [regular] season, he’s good to go, but it’ll be close, too,’’ Boone said before the Yankees’ 8-0 win over the Angels on Tuesday night at the Stadium.