Blue Jays play it safe with Edwin's shoulder

TORONTO -- Edwin Encarnacion was removed from Wednesday's 7-2 victory in the series finale over the Marlins after his injured left shoulder flared up on him.

The recurring ailment bothered Encarnacion in his fifth-inning at bat, prompting Dioner Navarro to pinch-hit when he was due up in the eighth. With the Blue Jays holding such a big lead at that point, sitting one out was the best decision, Encarnacion said.

"I don't want to make it worse. Just take it easy," Encarnacion said. "We're winning the game. It's better to rest."

Encarnacion said the discomfort wasn't cause for alarm. He said the injury isn't as bad as it was on Saturday, when he was removed from the game against the Astros before receiving a cortisone injection.

• Encarnacion exits victory over Astros;

Encarnacion missed a pair of games before returning to the lineup for the second game of the series against the Marlins, when he hit a walk-off homer. It was clear from Tuesday's game-winning home run trot that he's still concerned about the injury.

Video: MIA@TOR: Encarnacion launches a walk-off two-run shot

Encarnacion could be seen motioning to his teammates to avoid hammering on his shoulder during their celebration as he rounded third base and headed for home.

Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said he'll wait and see about what to do with Encarnacion after the off-day Thursday.

"We don't think it's a big deal, but [taking him out] made sense," Gibbons said. "We'll see how he responds after an off-day.