NEW YORK -- Edwin Encarnacion went from last place in the AL West to first in the AL East.
Naturally, he was pretty excited about it.
The veteran slugger received a warm ovation from fans when he made his Yankees debut at home Monday night against Tampa Bay in the opener of a three-game series. New York entered with a half-game lead in the division over the Rays.
Batting fifth as the designated hitter, Encarnacion struck out swinging on the 10th pitch of his first at-bat in the second inning against Yonny Chirinos.