Career
He pitched in four games for the Kansas City Royals during the 1990 Kansas City Royals season. Encarnación was drafted in 1988 by the Kansas City Royals via the Rule 5 draft. He was originally signed by the Cleveland Indians and spent four years in their minor league system, including stops in Batavia, Waterloo, Waterbury, and Williamsport.
After being acquired by Kansas City, he was assigned to their minor league affiliate in Memphis.
He was called up to the major leagues in July of 1990.