DUNEDIN, Fla. - Toronto Blue Jays infielder-designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion is in better shape at spring training this year and it's paying off with results on the field.

He worked out with a personal trainer in the Dominican Republic in the off-season, watched his diet and showed up at camp 12 pounds lighter.

Encarnacion has four home runs and seven RBIs in his first 13 Grapefruit League games and has looked good at both first and third base. He will open the season as a designated hitter, will back up Adam Lind at first and will return to his old position, third base, on occasion if needed.

"I can move around faster," Encarnacion said Friday. "And it's a lot better for me. I did not have time to work out last year (in the off-season) because of my wrist. This winter I was working hard to come ready for spring training."

Blue Jays manager John Farrell likes what he's seen so far.

"He's making the most of his potential, not just the opportunity," Farrell said. "He was going to be on our club regardless but the fact that he's putting together consistent at-bats like he is, we're going to find ways to get him in the lineup regularly."

The fact that he is still with the Blue Jays could be considered a surprise. He was assigned outright to Las Vegas last season but cleared waivers because of his US$5-million contract.

He was back up after seven games and finished the season with Toronto batting .244 with 21 homers and 51 RBIs in 96 games. The Oakland Athletics claimed him off waivers last November. When the A's didn't offer him a contract, the Blue Jays signed him as a free agent for half the salary he made in 2010.

It's his pop more than his batting average that makes him an intriguing player. This could be his best chance to show his power since the Blue Jays acquired him from the Cincinnati Reds with pitchers Zach Stewart and Josh Roenicke for third baseman Scott Rolen on July 31, 2009.

Before spring training last year, Encarnacion was bothered by a wrist problem and suffered burns in an accident with a firecracker. He wasn't able to accomplish much at camp. He also had a shoulder problem early in the season that put him on the disabled list.

He will earn $2.5 million this season and there is a $3.5-million club option for 2012.

"We always liked the player and he got off to a slow start (in 2010) and we just felt we needed to find a change of scenery for him," general manager Alex Anthopoulos said. "I think he was hitting .200 for a long time, came into camp out of shape, he had the firecracker go off in his face, the wrist was still bothering him. We thought we could jumpstart him a little bit (by sending him to Las Vegas).

"He really re-committed himself, dedicated himself and we loved to have him back at the right terms."

When the Blue Jays re-signed him, they said it was to be a DH and to back up at first base. But Farrell said this spring that he would see occasional action at third during pre-season games so that he would be ready if needed there in the season.

Encarnacion said that being sent down and then being claimed on waivers in the off-season before being non-tendered was a little confusing for him.

"Sometimes it's hard but you have to keep your head up," he said. "You have to keep working hard to be consistent and let those guys know you're ready to be here at the big-league level."

Hitting coach Dwayne Murphy has worked with him on his timing at the plate.

"I've been working hard with him," Encarnacion said. "You have something in mind before you get to the plate."

He knows he is going to get a chance to play, whatever the position.

"That's the good thing," Encarnacion said. "I'm going to have my opportunity to show them what I've got and what I can do. I can do a lot of good things to help my team to win the game."

The key, he said, is avoiding injury.

"That's what I want," he said. "Because the last two years, I've been hurt so much and I don't want to be like that again. I want to be healthy all year long and play my full season and see what happens."

The switch to first base has gone well. His problem at third base was his throwing and even that may be improving based on the limited evidence available from spring training.

"For me it's not hard to come from third base," he said. "It's easier to play first. I just have to keep playing every day and keep practising to get better."

Farrell said Encarnacion had to handle some challenges last season.

"He dealt with the wrist injury, he dealt with some inconsistent performance, he was sent out," Farrell said.

"He's come into camp and to his credit he's re-shaped his body, he's dropped 12 pounds, he's getting down the line better, his footwork on the infield has been much better.

"The other day at Pittsburgh (in Bradenton, Fla.), he only had two plays 1/8at third base 3/8 but the fact that he made his throws on target was an encouraging sign. He's the one who deserves the credit for the way he's come in, the way he's swinging the bat."