Encarnacion back for opener against Cards

TORONTO -- The Blue Jays had another offensive weapon in the lineup Friday evening to welcome the Cardinals to Rogers Centre for the first game in a set of three.

Edwin Encarnacion was batting fifth in the order as the designated hitter after sitting out of Thursday's series finale against the Tigers with a tight back.

"He's good to go, so he's in there," manager John Gibbons said, noting he hoped Encarnacion would be able to play the field at some point over the weekend.

The slugger was forced to exit Toronto's 8-2 victory at Comerica Park on Wednesday.