CLEVELAND—The Indians dropped slumping slugger Edwin Encarnacion from the cleanup spot for the first time in Monday night’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Encarnacion hit fifth instead of fourth, after 36 games in the cleanup spot. The former Blue Jays all-star has struggled since signing a three-year, $60-million contract with Cleveland, hitting .206 — .094 with runners in scoring position — with five homers and 11 RBIs heading into Monday.

“I’m telling you, he’s going to be fine,” manager Terry Francona said. “I know it hasn’t been his best month. He’ll be just fine.”

Carlos Santana, formerly batting leadoff, took over the cleanup spot.

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