Jerar Encarnación just sent a message to the Giants front office with one massive swing. During Sunday’s spring training game in Scottsdale, the outfielder launched a three-run homer that traveled an estimated 463 feet, so far that it nearly cleared the left field wall and parking lot before trees finally stopped it. According to Giants manager Tony Vitello, the ball actually hit a fan walking behind the berm, though thankfully the fan was totally fine.

Vitello compared the moment to a dunk that gets an entire arena on its feet. For Encarnación, this blast could be the turning point in his battle for a roster spot. The 28-year-old is competing for a bench job and potentially the designated hitter role if Bryce Eldridge doesn’t make Opening Day, especially with matchups against tough lefty pitchers like the Yankees’ Max Fried on March 25.

For the first couple weeks of spring training, things looked bleak for Encarnación. His numbers weren’t great, and it seemed like he might be squeezed out of the mix. But over the past week, he’s completely turned it around. His OPS is now up to .783 with two homers and two doubles. Beyond just the offensive numbers, Vitello has been consistently praising his defense and baserunning effort. Sure, these aren’t Encarnación’s strongest areas, but the manager has noted that he’s making smart reads and playing with serious intensity.

“That was amazing. I think it was 115 [mph] at 28 degrees?” starter Robbie Ray said about the home run. “That’s a homer anywhere. Maybe the Green Monster swallows it but it might go through it”.

Encarnación seems unfazed by the pressure. When asked about his roster situation, he kept it simple: “I’m just trying to take the opportunity that I have right now. I just come in and enjoy the game. Those are things I can’t control”.

The Giants have exactly 10 days to make final decisions on Encarnación and Luis Matos, as both are out of options. While Vitello hasn’t tipped his hand about which direction the team is leaning, he’s made it clear that the entire outfield group has impressed him this spring. Matos has also had a solid camp, and speed options like Grant McCray and Jared Oliva have flashed potential.

Encarnación was supposed to have a significant role this season after a decent spring last year, but injuries derailed those plans. A hand fracture, oblique strain, and hamstring strain limited him to just 19 games. Now, he’s got a real opportunity to prove he’s healthy and ready to contribute.

Vitello wrapped things up by noting that a week is a long time in spring training, and plenty of players can still hit their way onto the roster. Encarnación definitely made a statement with his 463-foot moonshot.