ALDS: Edwin Encarnacion out of Cleveland Indians' lineup for Game 3 vs. New York Yankees

NEW YORK -- Cleveland Indians designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion was not in the starting lineup Sunday for Game 3 of the American League Division Series against the New York Yankees.

Manager Terry Francona said it was doubtful Encarnacion would play, though he is feeling better after spraining his right ankle in the first inning of Game 2 on Friday.

"Unless you see him pulling a Willis Reed, you know he's probably not going to be available tonight," said Francona, referring to the famous surprise appearance of the injured New York Knicks center in Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals. "And we'll kind of still go by the day-by-day thing and see how that goes tomorrow."

The Indians hold a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five series

During Saturday's workout day in New York, Francona said Encarnacion "probably won't start Game 3" and added "but he's not been ruled out either."

Encarnacion was wearing a boot and on crutches Saturday during the day off.

He was injured in the first inning of Cleveland's 9-8, 13-inning win trying to get back to the second base bag on a line drive. Encarnacion crumpled to the dirt in pain after jamming his foot into the bag and was removed from the game.

In the first year of a three-year contract, Encarnacion batted .258 with 38 homers and 107 RBIs. It marked his third straight season with at least 30 homers and 100 RBIs.

Michael Brantley replaced Encarnacion as the designated hitter and batted seventh. Brantley was 0-for-5 after replacing Encarnacion on Friday.

Brantley missed Cleveland's World Series run last season while recovering from two shoulder surgeries. He was limited to 90 games in the regular season and played two games after Aug. 8 after spraining his right ankle.

"For him to get an opportunity to be part of what we're doing is extra meaningful to him," Francona said Saturday. "And before Edwin went down, he was most likely going to play left field as long as he felt physically good enough.

"But just now, just kind of makes it easy. If you have a choice to make, and you have an open slot at DH, it just seems common sense to put him there."