Juan Encarnacion

Article on Encarnacion and Ramon Castro's return.....

Notes: Encarnacion is an enigma

Castro rejoins team, maintains innocence

By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com

Over his last eight games, Juan Encarnacion is hitting .172 (5-for-29). (Rick Silva/AP)

MIAMI -- Juan Encarnacion's leadoff single in the ninth inning of Friday's game ended an 0-for-12 slide and jump-started the Marlins' game-winning two-run rally.

In the middle of a dry spell, Encarnacion had a key hit and scored the tying run in the 3-2 victory over the Expos at Pro Player Stadium.

"I've been hitting the ball hard, but right at people," he said.

The Marlins are counting on production from their hot-and-cold right fielder, who is currently hitting fifth.

For the season, Encarnacion has a .268 average, with 15 home runs, 79 RBIs and 19 stolen bases.

"He's been an enigma," said hitting coach Bill Robinson. "The RBI totals he's putting up are nice, but his home run numbers are down."

A year ago, Encarnacion recorded a personal best, 24 home runs and 85 RBIs.

Encarnacion, traded to the Marlins in July 2002, hit .277 with 16 homers and 51 RBIs with the Reds.

The 27-year-old from the Dominican Republic has vast potential. As a fielder, he has a strong arm, good speed and good range.

His bat is crucial as the Marlins enter the final month seeking to secure the Wild Card berth.

"He could be one of the biggest pluses," said Robinson. "He's a good player, and he can do everything."

Consistency is his one drawback.

Over his last eight games, he is hitting .172 (5-for-29), and he hasn't had a multihit game in 12 outings.

Production from the middle of the lineup will largely determine if the Marlins make the playoffs.

The top of the order, with Juan Pierre and Luis Castillo, has been consistent most of the season, presenting a speed threat while getting on base consistently.

Robinson says that Ivan Rodriguez, Mike Lowell, Encarnacion and Derrek Lee (the regular three-through-six hitters) have to step up during the final month.

"It's up to the veterans to come through to take the pressure off the kid," Robinson said, referring to rookie left fielder Miguel Cabrera.

Castro returns: On Saturday, backup catcher Ramon Castro apologized to his teammates, the Marlins organization and his family while expressing his innocence in regard to four sexual misconduct charges he faces in Pittsburgh.

On Thursday, Castro was charged with rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, sexual assault and unlawful restraint.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 4.

Castro, 28, posted $25,000 bond and was released from the Allegheny County Jail in Pittsburgh on Friday afternoon. He rejoined the Marlins on Saturday.

"I apologize to the team and the organization, especially my teammates and my family," Castro told reporters. "And I'm innocent."

His short statement was his only comment to the media. He did not answer any questions regarding his legal troubles.

Popular in the clubhouse, Castro received warm greetings from his teammates, who gave him handshakes and hugs upon his arrival.

Manager Jack McKeon said that Castro would be used in a reserve role, if needed.

Asked if Castro's arrest created a distraction for the team, McKeon added: "It's no distraction. All these guys are professional. They have to do their jobs."

Credit: Floridamarlins.com