SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — Toronto Blue Jays infielder Edwin Encarnacion was burned in the
face by fireworks while celebrating the new year in his native
Dominican Republic.
Fiancee Jennifer Pena told The
Associated Press that Encarnacion was released from the hospital
Saturday and is resting at home. She said his injuries do not require
surgery.
Encarnacion received first- and
second-degree burns when his brother released a firework that hit him
in the right side of the face and exploded near his body, she said. He
was celebrating with his family in the southeastern coastal city of La
Romana.
Doctors at a nearby clinic treated Encarnacion before he was flown to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami.
"We are grateful for the concern that everyone has shown," Pena said. "He is stable and keeps improving."
Encarnacion, who turns 27 on
Thursday, hit .225 with 13 homers and 39 RBIs in 85 games with the
Cincinnati Reds and Toronto last season.