(12/3/2010) The Diamondbacks non-tendered OF Ryan Church on Thursday, making him a free agent. Church also spent part of last season with the Pirates, hitting .201 with five home runs.
Church makes rare start
(9/13/2010) Arizona OF Ryan Church earned his first start in September on Monday in Cincinnati. Church had his previous start on Aug. 31 against the Padres. Church entered Monday's start having gone just 1 for 3 (.333) in September over five games and five plate appearances.
Church gets first start with Arizona
(8/4/2010) OF Ryan Church, who was obtained on Saturday in a trade with Pittsburgh, made his first start for Arizona on Wednesday against the Nationals. He started in left field against his former team. Church broke into the majors with Montreal in 2004 and stayed with the team through its move to Washington. He last played for the Nationals in 2007.
Church reporting to D-Backs on Tues.
(8/3/2010) From The Sports Xchange notes: OF Ryan Church, acquired from Pittsburgh in the five-player deal trade that sent C Chris Snyder to the Pirates on Saturday, is expected to report to the D-backs on Tuesday after being given the full 72 hours to report in order to take care of family business. The D-backs must make a corresponding move to add Church to the roster. RHP D.J. Carrasco joined the D-backs from Pittsburgh on Saturday and IF Bobby Crosby reported Sunday.
Church traded to Diamondbacks
(7/31/2010) The Pirates sent Bobby Crosby, Ryan Church and D.J. Carrasco to the Diamondbacks for catcher Chris Snyder and minor league infielder Pedro Ciriaco, the teams announced Saturday. The Pirates also received cash considerations as part of the deal.
Church loses platoon gig
(7/16/2010) The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Ryan Church will no longer be in a right field platoon with Lastings Milledge. Pirates manager John Russell wants Milledge to play full-time, which relegates Church to a bench role. Church is hitting .186 with three home runs and 16 RBI in 156 at-bats this season.
Bucs hoping to get Church 'on track'
(7/9/2010) Pirates manager John Russell started Ryan Church over Lastings Milledge in right field on Thursday against the Astros for the fourth time in five games, despite Church coming into the contest with a .193 average. "We've seen some good things in Ryan's last four starts, some big hits, and that's what he's capable of doing," Russell told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in reference to a 5-for-11 run Church had coming into Thursday. "If he can do that, it's a nice complement with him and Lastings. We've got two guys we can put out there." Russell is not worried about backlash from the fans. "Yeah, if you look at the numbers, it can be tough to see why you keep going with him," he said. "But the guy's always hit pretty well in his career. We're just hoping to get him on track."
Church drives in two for Pirates
(7/8/2010) Pittsburgh OF Ryan Church went 1 for 4 with two RBI and two strikeouts on Wednesday against Houston. He stranded five men on base now has an average of .193 for the year. He tied it with a double to the gap in left center, prompting boos from the sparse crowd at Minute Maid Park.
Church homers in return
(7/4/2010) Pirates OF Ryan Church, who had not started since colliding with Neil Walker on Friday, went 3 for 3 with a solo home run in Saturday's 12-4 loss to the Phillies. He connected off starter Kyle Kendrick in the fifth inning for his third homer of the year. He also walked once and raised his average to .191 in the loss.
Church remains out of action
(7/1/2010) Pirates OF Ryan Church (thigh) remained out of the starting lineup Thursday vs. the Phillies. He appeared as a pinch hitter on Monday and Tuesday, but he hasn't started since colliding with Neil Walker on Friday against the A's.
Church unable to play Wednesday
(7/1/2010) Pirates OF Ryan Church (thigh) was unable to play on Wednesday against the Cubs. He appeared as a pinch hitter on Monday and Tuesday, but he hasn't started since colliding with Neil Walker on Friday against the A's.
Church dealing with leg injury
(6/29/2010) Pirates OF Ryan Church is available to hit for the Pirates but is dealing with an inner right thigh bruise after he collided with Neil Walker on Friday, reports MLB.com. Church has not started since June 25 in Oakland. Church said he has had discomfort spread up his leg and it still bothers him when he runs. Church pinch-hit in Tuesday's game against the Cubs and struck out. He's batting .174 on the year.
Church drives in all the runs
(12:01 am ET) Pirates OF Ryan Church went 1 for 4 with three RBI in a 4-3 loss to the Indians on Friday. His three-run double in the seventh inning off starter Fausto Carmona accounted for all of his team's runs in the loss. He now has 13 RBI on the year and is batting .083 in June.
Church returns to starting lineup
(6/18/2010) Pirates OF Lastings Milledge was not in the starting lineup posted for Friday's game against the Indians. He was replaced in right field by Ryan Church.
Church taking over in RF
(6/15/2010) For the fourth consecutive game, Ryan Church was in the starting lineup for the Pirates against the White Sox on Tuesday night. "We're trying to get Church going a little bit," said manager John Russell to MLB.com on Tuesday. He was in right field and batting sixth. Church has now started three games in a row in right field, moving Garrett Jones to first base. The 31-year-old is hitting .186 with two home runs and 10 RBI in 113 at-bats this season.
Struggling Church on his way out?
(6/14/2010) From The Sports Xchange notes: 2B Aki Iwamura and OF Ryan Church could lose their jobs with the potential promotion of top 3B prospect Pedro Alvarez and the return of 1B Steve Pearce from the DL next week. Iwamura would have to be released.
Church able to play in field
(6/10/2010) Pirates OF Ryan Church didn't start again Wednesday against the Nationals because of the stomach flu. But he was able to play the field late in the game as he entered as a defensive replacement for Jose Tabata, who left with a hamstring cramp. Church also pinch hit on Tuesday.
Church Ks as pinch-hitter
(6/8/2010) Pittsburgh OF Ryan Church (flu) pinch-hit on Tuesday against the Nationals, striking out in the eighth inning. Church remains day to day from the starting lineup with his flu bug. He's batting .200 on the season.
Church back with Buccos
(6/8/2010) According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, OF Ryan Church was back with the Pirates for Monday's game with the Cubs. He did not play but was available to pinch-hit.
Church not able to suit up vs. Cubs
(6/7/2010) Pirates OF Ryan Church (flu) was not well enough to play Monday against the Cubs.
Church sits out again
(6/6/2010) Pirates OF Ryan Church sat out Sunday's game with the flu and has not played since Tuesday. Although he has not played the field, Church was available to pinch hit if necessary.
Church feeling a little green
(6/5/2010) Pirates OF Ryan Church did not play in Saturday's win over the Giants due to the stomach flu, according to MLB.com. He was held out of the starting lineup but was reportedly available to pinch hit if necessary. Church last played on Tuesday.
Church gets another start
(5/24/2010) Pirates OF Lastings Milledge was not in the starting lineup posted for Monday's game against the Reds. He was replaced by Ryan Church.
Church not in service on Sunday
(5/23/2010) Pittsburgh 1B Steve Pearce started for the third time in the last five games on Sunday in the series finale against the Braves. Pearce was inserted into the lineup where Ryan Church had been hitting in the two previous games. Church had started in four of the previous six games for the Pirates.
Church back in Pirates lineup
(5/21/2010) Pirates OF Lastings Milledge was not in the starting lineup posted for Friday's game against the Braves. He was replaced by Ryan Church.
(5/18/2010) Pirates OF Ryan Church is starting to see a lot more playing time. Despite being the Pirates fourth outfielder, and missing a week with a bruised wrist, Church has been in the starting lineup for 10 straight games and started 17 out of the 39 games the Pirates have played this year. Manager John Russell told MLB.com that just because Church has been playing more doesn't mean he will be an everyday player for Pittsburgh. "I don't know about every day," manager John Russell said. "But he has the ability to play a few days a week, obviously. He's done a good job for us. He's come up with some big hits. He's played very good for us in the outfield. The way he's been playing for us, it's hard to keep him out of there very often."
Church returns with two RBI
(5/15/2010) Pirates OF Ryan Church (wrist) was finally back in action on Saturday in Chicago. Church played in a Pirates' win as he went 1 for 4 with a double and two RBI. Church is hitting .250 on the year and was making his first start after missing the previous six games.
Church back on field for Bucs
(5/15/2010) Pittsburgh OF Ryan Church (wrist), who missed the Pirates' last six games, was back in the lineup on Saturday in Chicago. Church replaced Lastings Milledge, who took a seat on the bench for the game.
Church still not back in lineup
(5/14/2010) Pirates OF Ryan Church (wrist) was not in the starting lineup for Friday's afternoon game in Chicago against the Cubs. It was the sixth consecutive game he has been out of the lineup after he was hit on the wrist in last Friday's loss to the Cardinals. Church did appear as a pinch hitter, fouling out in the eighth inning.
Church remains out of Pirates lineup
(5/12/2010) From The Sports Xchange notes: OF Ryan Church sat out his fifth consecutive game with a bruised right wrist. Church was available to be used as a pinch hitter, though.
Church's wrist feeling better.
(5/10/2010) Pirates OF Ryan Church was able to take some swings in the batting cage on Monday, but remains limited in his ability because of a bruised right wrist. Church was hit on the wrist in Friday's loss to the Cardinals. He has not played since. "It's really sore," Church said. Pirates manager John Russell said Church would be available off the bench on Monday against the Reds.
Church goes deep again
(5/5/2010) Pirates OF Ryan Church hit his second home run in as many games during Wednesday's win over the Cubs. He went 1 for 4, the solo shot coming off Cubs starter Ted Lilly. Church has six hits in his last 20 at-bats.
Church starts again, this time for Jones
(5/1/2010) After spelling OF Lastings Milledge on Friday night, Pirates OF Ryan Church got a second straight start Saturday against the Dodgers as he filled in for the injured Garrett Jones (throat).
Pirates have Church on Friday
(4/30/2010) Pirates OF Ryan Church got the start in left field for Friday's game against the Dodgers. Lastings Milledge was given a breather. It was only Church's second start in seven games.
Church draws starting assignment
(4/26/2010) Filling in for the slumping Lastings Milledge, Ryan Church was penciled into the Pirates' starting lineup for Monday night's game at Milwaukee. He was slated to play left field and bat third. Church has reached base five times in nine career plate appearances against Brewers scheduled starter Yovani Gallardo.
Church gets fifth start of season
(4/22/2010) Pirates OF Ryan Church got his fifth start of the season Thursday against the Brewers.
Church looks like early Mets self
(4/14/2010) From The Sports Xchange notes: RF Ryan Church tripled in the ninth inning Tuesday. It was his first three-base hit since April 26, 2008, when he was playing with the Mets.
Church doesn't do much in first start
(4/9/2010)The Sports Xchange reports Pirates OF Ryan Church got his first start of the season Thursday against the Dodgers, playing left field and going 1 for 4 with a strikeout. He had hit a three-run double and walked in two previous pinch-hitting appearances. Church started in place of LF Lastings Milledge, who got the day off except for striking out as a pinch hitter.
Church gets nod over Milledge
(4/8/2010) The Pirates started OF Ryan Church in left Thursday against the Dodgers.
Church comes through as pinch hitter
(4/5/2010) Pirates OF Ryan Church, relegated to a bench role this season, hit a bases-clearing double as a pinch-hitter in the fifth inning Monday against the Dodgers.
Church goes deep Thursday
(4/1/2010) Pirates outfielder Ryan Church hit his second homer of the spring against the Phillies on Thursday. He finished 1 for 3, and is now hitting .226 with five RBI.
Church's finger feeling fine
(3/29/2010) MLB.com reports that Pirates OF Ryan Church's fractured left middle finger is feeling better. He was available off the bench Monday.
Church this weekend for Pittsburgh?
(3/25/2010) Pirates OF Ryan Church, who fractured the tip of his left middle finger, hopes to be able to get back in the lineup this weekend. He hasn't played since injuring his finger in a game March 20th. According to MLB.com, Church took swings and played catch for the first time since the injury occurred, and felt fine afterward.
Church finalizes new Pirates deal
(1/13/2010) Outfielder Ryan Church and the Pirates have finalized a $1.5 million, one-year contract. The Pirates expect Church to go into the season as their fourth outfielder. He also provides depth in case their top outfield prospect, Jose Tabata, does not reach the majors this season. Church's deal includes bonuses of $75,000 each for 350, 375 and 400 plate appearances, $125,000 each for 425, 450 and 475 plate appearances and $180,000 each for 500, 550, 575 and 600 plate appearances.
Pirates agree to deal with OF Church
(1/12/2010) Outfielder Ryan Church has reached a preliminary agreement with the Pirates on a $1.5 million, one-year guaranteed contract that could pay him an additional $1.32 million in performance bonuses. The deal, contingent upon Church passing a physical, includes bonuses of $75,000 each for 350, 375 and 400 plate appearances, $125,000 each for 425, 450 and 475 plate appearances and $180,000 each for 500, 550, 575 and 600 plate appearances.
(12/8/2009) The Atlanta Braves designated outfielder Ryan Church for assignment Tuesday.
Church finishes year with wife and child
(10/4/2009) Atlanta OF Ryan Church missed the last game of the season against Washington Sunday as he is still with his wife directly after giving birth to their child. The Braves were eliminated from playoff contention and Church did not feel compelled to return to the team.
Church with wife giving birth
(10/3/2009) Atlanta OF Ryan Church was still missing on Saturday against the Nationals as his wife gives birth. He may return for Sunday's finale.
Church out to be with expectant wife
(10/2/2009) Braves outfielder Ryan Church is with his wife, Tina, in Viera, Fla., as the couple await the birth of their second child. Church left Atlanta on Friday morning. With Church away from the team, Omar Infante was the fill-in starter in right field Friday night against the Washington Nationals.
(9/8/2009) Braves OF Ryan Church, back to playing almost every day against right-handed pitchers, hasn't hit well of late. He went 0 for 4 Tuesday at Houston and is batting .143 (2 for 14) over his last five games.
Church returns with RBI single
(8/26/2009) Atlanta OF Ryan Church was back in there after a three-game absence with a back injury on Wednesday against the Padres. Church hit an RBI single in the 6th inning. He finished 1 for 4 with the RBI. He's batting .277 on the year.
Church says he'll return Wednesday
(8/26/2009) Braves OF Ryan Church missed his third straight game with back spasms Tuesday against the Padres, but he told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution he'd play Wednesday.
Church expects to be back Tuesday
(8/24/2009) From The Sports Xchange: OF Ryan Church (back spasms) sat out Aug. 22 but was available off the bench Aug. 23. He expects to be at full speed Aug. 25.
Church still out for Braves
(8/23/2009) Atlanta OF Ryan Church (back) could not return to the lineup on Sunday against the Marlins. He remains day to day.
Church has back spasms
(8/22/2009)Ryan Church is out of the starting lineup for the Atlanta Braves, who are also missing fellow outfielder Garret Anderson and infielder Martin Prado. Church was held out Saturday night against Florida with back spasms. Omar Infante played left field, his first start of the season in the outfield. Reid Gorecki was in center.
Church hits 3-run double
(8/17/2009) Braves OF Ryan Church doubled with the bases loaded in the 3rd inning of Atlanta's win over Arizona Monday. Church plated all three runs as he cleared the bases. He finished 1 for 4 with the three RBI and is batting .274.
Church doubles in fourth straight game
(8/11/2009) Atlanta OF Ryan Church went 2 for 3 on Tuesday in a win over the Nationals. Church doubled and drove in a run. He also scored twice and walked two times in the game. He's batting .284 on the season for the Braves.
Church hits late three-run homer
(8/8/2009) Braves OF Ryan Church hit a big three-run homer in the 12th inning for his fourth of the season on Friday night in an extra-inning win over the Dodgers. Church added a double and another RBI in the game and finished with four driven in on the night. He went 3 for 5 and added a walk and is batting .283 on the season.
Church back in action Wed.
(8/5/2009) Braves OF Ryan Church was back in action on Wednesday after missing six straight starts with an elbow injury. Church looked good in his return to the lineup as he went 2 for 3 in the game with two runs scored. He singled twice and added a walk. He's batting .277 on the season.
Church looking good for Wednesday
(8/5/2009) Braves OF Ryan Church missed his sixth straight start because of a hyperextended right elbow Tuesday at San Diego, but he took regular batting practice before the game. He thinks he can play in the series finale Wednesday, according to MLB.com. "So far so good," said Church said after hitting in a cage earlier in the day. "I'm going to go and take BP and come back tomorrow morning and see how I feel. If nothing is hurting, then I'll go ahead and hit tomorrow morning and play the game."
Church out for a fifth straight
(8/4/2009) Braves OF Ryan Church missed his fifth straight game with a hyperextended right elbow Monday at San Diego. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, he received a cortisone shot before the game and was told not to take batting practice until it had time to take effect.
Church still has elbow pain
(8/3/2009) MLB.com reports that Braves OF Ryan Church, who has missed four games with an elbow injury, can't fully extend his right arm without pain. He will try to take batting practice Monday. "I really want to play," Church said. "It stinks just having to sit here and watch. I stayed in one spot the entire game (on Saturday) except to get up and high-five people."
Church held out a fourth game
(8/3/2009) Braves OF Ryan Church missed a fourth straight game Sunday against the Dodgers with a sore elbow. He remains day to day.
Church out with elbow issue again
(8/1/2009) Atlanta RF Ryan Church was out once again on Saturday against the Dodgers with an elbow injury. He remains questionable for the team's series finale with Los Angeles on Sunday.
Church sits again with hurt elbow
(8/1/2009) Braves OF Ryan Church, who missed Sunday's game with an elbow injury, still has a hyperextended right elbow that bothers him when he swings, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He missed Friday's game against the Dodgers with the injury and was only available to pinch run or play defense.
Church singles while back in lineup
(7/28/2009) Atlanta OF Ryan Church was back in the starting lineup Tuesday against the Marlins after sitting out Sunday with an elbow injury. Church went 1 for 3 with a single and a run scored. He added a walk and is batting .272 on the year.
Church sits with elbow issue
(7/26/2009) Braves RF Ryan Church missed Sunday's win over the Brewers with an elbow injury, but hopes to return for the Florida series starting Tuesday after hurting himself swinging Saturday night.
Church hits first home run as Brave
(7/20/2009) Braves OF Ryan Church didn't start Monday's game against the Giants -- not with LHP Jonathan O. Sanchez on the mound -- but he appeared as a pinch hitter and hit his first home run as a Brave. He stayed in the game and finished 2 for 2 with three RBI.
Church goes hitless in Braves debut
(7/12/2009) Braves OF Ryan Church started in right field for the Braves at Colorado on Saturday, a day after he was acquired from the Mets in exchange for outfielder Jeff Francoeur. Church went 0 for 4 but just missed a grand slam by a couple feet when Seth Smith caught his long fly ball against the left-field fence. Church had also made a nice running catch near the wall of a fifth-inning drive by Smith.
Church traded to Atlanta Braves
(7/10/2009) The slumping New York Mets have traded outfielder Ryan Church to the Atlanta Braves for outfielder Jeff Francoeur. The deal was announced Friday.
Church struggling at the plate
(7/9/2009) Mets OF Ryan Church has had his troubles getting hits lately. Over his last five games, Church has only one base hit single in 19 ABs. He has three strikeouts during the span and only one RBI.
Church has three hits once again
(7/3/2009) Mets RF Ryan Church had three hits on Friday in a 7-2 loss to the Phillies. He had a double and two singles in the game, going 3 for 4. He increased his batting average to .300 with the performance.
Church gets go-ahead hit in 10th
(7/2/2009)Ryan Church singled in the go-ahead run in the 10th inning, and the Mets beat the Pirates 9-8 Thursday after overcoming a five-run deficit and then wasting a ninth-inning lead. Pirates closer Matt Capps (1-4), who had converted 12 consecutive save opportunities since May 15, got the first two batters in the 10th until hitting Fernando Tatis with a pitch. Tatis stole second, and Church lined a single into center for the Mets' 15th hit. Church went 3 for 6 with two RBI and two runs scored in the game, increasing his batting average to .292 on the season.
Church drives in Mets' lone run
(7/1/2009)Mike Pelfrey bailed the Mets out of a season-worst losing streak, overcoming a career-high 12 strikeouts by young Brewers ace Yovani Gallardo in a 1-0 victory Wednesday. Pelfrey (6-3) gave up six hits and two walks in 7 2/3 innings, and Ryan Church came through with an RBI single in the sixth as the Mets stopped a five-game losing streak and avoided a series sweep by the Brewers. Pelfrey allowed a single and a walk with two outs in the eighth, but Sean Green got J.J Hardy to ground into a forceout at third. Francisco Rodriguez pitched the ninth, allowing a leadoff single to Ryan Braun before retiring the side for his 21st save. New York (38-39), which backed Pelfrey with a pair of double plays, was coming off a 9-18 record in June, its worst month in nearly six years.
(6/29/2009) Mets RF Ryan Church seems to have gotten over his bout of nausea quickly enough. He missed Sunday's game against the Yankees but made it back for Monday's tilt with the Brewers as he went 4 for 5 in the game. Church singled all four times and scored a run. He's hitting .281 on the year.
Church sits out with nausea
(6/28/2009)Ryan Church was removed from the Mets' depleted lineup Sunday night against the Yankees because he felt nauseous, leaving the team without yet another regular starter. Fernando Tatis replaced Church in the order, batting fifth and playing left field. Gary Sheffield shifted from left to Church's spot in right against the Yankees, who were going for a three-game sweep at Citi Field. Church, who was in the original lineup, looked miserable as he sat slumped in front of his locker with a hooded sweat shirt pulled over his head. He sipped on a tall drink that appeared to be ginger ale with ice. Mets spokesman Jay Horwitz said Church had a stomachache and there was no reason to think his nausea had anything to do with the post-concussion symptoms that hampered him for much of last season. A flu bug went around the Yankees' clubhouse all weekend, with Derek Jeter and Johnny Damon among those who were sick.
Church gets rare start in center
(6/27/2009) With Carlos Beltran out, Mets OF Ryan Church made his first start in center field since Sept. 29, 2007 on Friday against the Yankees. It was Church's 96th start and 115th major league game in center. Normally the Mets' regular right fielder, he was positioned between Sheffield and Fernando Tatis in the spacious outfield at Citi Field. "See ball, go get ball," Church said, explaining his approach. "I do have my track shoes." Church went 0 for 3.
Church does well in cleanup role
(6/24/2009) Mets OF Ryan Church had three hits and two RBI in his first start as the cleanup hitter this season during Wednesday's 11-0 win against the Cardinals. Church gave the Mets a 1-0 lead in the first with an RBI single. Church doubled in his second run in the seventh. He upped his doubles total to 14 and also scored twice.
Church swipes two bases vs. Rays
(6/20/2009) Mets RF Ryan Church stole two bases for the first time in his career on Friday in a 5-3 win over the Rays. He went 2 for 3 in the game, also drawing a walk and scoring a run. Both of his hits were singles. He has now stolen five bases this season.
Church is Manuel's man in RF
(6/14/2009) The New York Daily News reports that Mets manager Jerry Manuel says Ryan Church is his right fielder. "He's the guy that's going to play the majority of the time in right field," said Manuel. "We've said all along that we need Ryan. ... Once he gets going, Ryan is the type of guy that can carry this club for a long time."
Church hits solo home run
(6/9/2009) Mets RF Ryan Church hit his second home run of the season on Tuesday in a 6-5 win over Philadelphia. He went 1-for-3 in the contest with two runs scored and a walk. His batting average on the season went up to .278 with the performance.
Church activated off disabled list
(6/6/2009) The New York Mets activated outfielder Ryan Church from the 15-day disabled list after their 7-1 loss to Washington on Saturday night. To make room on the roster, the Mets designated outfielder Emil Brown for assignment.
Church could return on Sunday
(6/3/2009) Mets outfielder Ryan Church, who is on the DL with a strained right hamstring, played six innings at Port St. Lucie on Wednesday and reported no issues. He is to play seven innings Thursday and, assuming no setbacks, could come off the disabled list when eligible on Sunday.
Reyes, Church head to Port St. Lucie
(6/2/2009) The Mets announced injured regulars Jose B. Reyes and Ryan Church reported to Port Sr. Lucie, Fla., to participate in extended spring training games as part of their rehabilitation. Shortstop Reyes was placed on the DL retroactive to June 21 with tendinitis behind his right calf. Outfielder Church hasn't played since June 23 because of a right hamstring strain.
Mets place Church on 15-day DL
(5/26/2009) The Mets have placed Ryan Church (hamstring, hip) on the 15-day DL and called up 20-year-old outfield prospect Fernando Martinez on Tuesday. Martinez is starting Tuesday night in right field, according to WFAN.
Church has no damage, still hurt
(5/25/2009) Mets OF Ryan Church was still sidelined Monday against the Nationals by a sore right hamstring that caused him to miss his third straight start. An MRI showed no damage, and while he felt better, he had discomfort caused by tendinitis.
Church remains out for Mets
(5/24/2009)Ryan Church (hamstring) was out of the lineup over the weekend and needs an MRI on Monday. He is having an issue with his hip in addition to his hamstring.
Church hopes to return Sunday
(5/23/2009) The New York Daily News reports that Ryan Church (hamstring), who was held out of Saturday's lineup in Boston, hopes to return Sunday. Hamstring difficulty had caused his legs to be different lengths, he said, and resulted in his discomfort.
Church leaves with sore hamstring
(5/22/2009) Mets RF Ryan Church left in the bottom of the fourth inning of Friday's game against the Red Sox with a sore right hamstring. He was replaced by Angel Pagan and is considered questionable for the remainder of the weekend series at Boston.
Church called out for missing third
(5/19/2009) The Mets committed five errors and blew a chance to take the lead in the 11th on a play that was right out of their 1962 playbook. Ryan Church singled with two outs against winner Ramon Troncoso (1-0) and came all the way around on Angel Pagan's drive to the fence in right-center. But Church missed third base with his right foot and the Dodgers retired him on an appeal play. So instead of an RBI triple, Pagan had to settle for a single, his fourth hit of the game. "We certainly got lucky," Dodgers manager Joe Torre said. Church thought he touched the side of the bag. "I felt like I nicked something, and that's why I kept going," he said. "I was walking back to the dugout and I heard the crowd scream, so I turned around. I mean, what can you do? When they call you out, they call you out. They're not going to reverse it."
Slumping Church takes seat Monday
(5/12/2009) Mets OF Jeremy Reed started in right field in place of slumping Ryan Church against the Braves on Monday. Mets manager Jerry Manuel said he wants to give Reed a string of at-bats. He might get another start or two in the coming days.
Church falls into deep cold spell
(5/4/2009) Mets OF Ryan Church, who looked back on track early this season after missing most of last season with post-concussion syndrome, went 0-for-4 at Atlanta on Monday and is now batting .056 (1-for-18) over his last five games.
Church drives in three runs
(4/25/2009) Mets OF Ryan Church went 2-for-4 with three RBI in Saturday's game against Washington. He extended a modest hitting streak to three games.
Church hits first 2009 homer
(4/23/2009) Mets RF Ryan Church hit his first home run of the season on Thursday against the Brewers, going 2-for-4 from the plate with two runs scored and two RBI. He raised his batting average to .333 with the two-hit performance.
Church hitting .533 to open season
(4/10/2009) Mets OF Ryan Church had three singles in four at-bats Friday against the Marlins. He also walked once. Church has three multi-hit games during a four-game hit streak. He is hitting .533 with two RBI in that span.
Sheffield joins crowded Mets OF
(4/3/2009)Gary Sheffield plans to go for No. 500 with the New York Mets. One home run shy of the milestone, Sheffield reached a contract agreement with New York on Friday, three days after he was released by the Detroit Tigers in a surprising move. Just hours before opening their beaming new ballpark Friday night with an exhibition game against Boston, the Mets made another splash by acquiring the outspoken Sheffield. He is expected to be in New York on Saturday and the deal is contingent on him passing a physical, general manager Omar Minaya said. "Gary gives us another element in the lineup and he gives us a different intensity, just because of the competitive guy that he is," Minaya said at Citi Field. The 40-year-old slugger provides the Mets with a right-handed power bat, something they need to help balance the batting order. But his role on the team will be tricky: New York was already set at the corner outfield spots with Ryan Church in right and Daniel Murphy in left -- both left-handed hitters. Fernando Tatis is also in the outfield mix.
Church returns, reaches base twice
(3/26/2009) Mets OF Ryan Church, who had a tooth pulled Tuesday, went 1-for-2 with a walk in his return to the lineup Thursday against the Cardinals. He's now batting .333 (16-for-48).
Church has tooth pulled
(3/24/2009) Mets OF Ryan Church did not travel with the team Tuesday to play the Astros after getting a tooth pulled.
Church pops a spring homer
(3/17/2009)Daniel Murphy went 3-for-4 for New York on Tuesday, raising his spring average to .400. Ryan Church hit a solo homer in the seventh inning.
(3/7/2009) Mets OF Ryan Church (knee) appeared in a pinch-hit role during Saturday's spring game against the Nationals. He struck out in his lone at-bat, lowering his spring average to .333.
Church misses game with sore knee
(3/5/2009) Mets OF Ryan Church was a late scratch Thursday against Team Italy and was later seen with a large wrap around his knee, the result of a foul ball he hit off his knee Wednesday against the Nationals. Manager Jerry Manuel said Church is day-to-day.
Church opens spring with a bang
(2/25/2009) New York received three RBI from Ryan Church to beat the Orioles 9-3 in the exhibition opener for both teams. Also, second baseman Luis Castillo hit a two-run single in the second inning and a two-run double in the fourth. Church had a run-scoring double in the third and a two-run single in the fourth. Two team players are ones manager Jerry Manuel singled out at the start of camp. "That is exactly what Luis needed," Manuel said. "We talked about getting him off to a good start. That was appropriate for him. I should challenge other folks, now, too. It is exactly what you wanted to see from them." Church says he is healthy after overcoming multiple concussions last year. "There were no affects today and there haven't been (this spring)," he said.
Church, hit the one in the middle
(2/24/2009)Ryan Church came back from two concussions last year and did all he could to try and help the New York Mets down the stretch. It wasn't much. "That wasn't me at the end of the season," Church said Monday. "I would step in the batter's box and see four pitchers. I would see a pitch and couldn't attack it. For me, everyone was counting me out, saying he's done, he won't make it back. I was taught to give whatever you've got on that given day and I struggled. But I'm healthy now." And ready for any role. A day after manager Jerry Manuel said he might play Fernando Tatis in right field against left-handed pitching, Church said he's up to the challenge and will do whatever it takes to help the Mets win. "He's the boss," Church said. "He's our general and I'll go to war with him any day. I take it as a challenge. Even if he didn't say anything about it, I would be like, hey, I'm here to win a championship. I just want to play and do my part."
Church says RF job is his
(2/23/2009) The New York Daily News reports that Mets RF Ryan Church was informed by his manager Jerry Manuel that he will be the starting right fielder. "He's very approachable," Church said about Manuel, who had hinted at a Church/Fernando Tatis platoon on Sunday. "He'll tell you how it is. He came up to me and said, 'You're preparing to be the everyday right fielder for the Mets.'"
Church/Tatis platoon now possible
(2/22/2009) The New York Post reports that a platoon between Ryan Church and Fernando Tatis in right field is now a very distinct possibility after manager Jerry Manuel said Daniel Murphy is likely to be the everyday left fielder. "With Church being a left-handed hitter, I kind of see Murphy being a better hitter right now at this time," said Manuel on Sunday.
Mets' Church avoids arbitration
(1/20/2009) Right fielder Ryan Church and the Mets avoided salary arbitration, agreeing Tuesday on a $2.8 million, one-year contract. New York struck a $575,000, one-year deal with reserve outfielder Angel Pagan, who had been eligible for arbitration. Church made $2 million last season, his first with the Mets after being acquired from Washington in a trade. He can earn an additional $150,000 this season in performance bonuses: $50,000 for 400 plate appearances; $30,000 for 450 plate appearances; $30,000 for 535 plate appearances; and $40,000 for 550 plate appearances.
(9/25/2008) Mets OF Ryan Church went 3-for-3 with a double, a run scored and two RBI on Thursday. He had gone .147 (5-for-34) over his last nine games.
Church still getting modest results
(9/16/2008) Mets OF Ryan Church went 1-for-3 with a walk and a strikeout Monday at Washington. He has only four hits in his last five games after recently returning from post-concussion syndrome.
Church is in session again
(9/10/2008)Ryan Church homered, Jose B. Reyes snapped an 0-for-15 slide with two hits and the Mets started a stretch of 12 games against the bottom two teams in the division with an offensive display that offset Oliver Perez's rough outing Tuesday.
Church hits grand slam Wednesday
(9/3/2008) The Mets got a grand slam from OF Ryan Church in a 6-run first inning on Wednesday to defeat the Milwaukee Brewers. Church went 1-for-4 and his 11th homer of the season was his first since June 1. "Delgado, he was joking about it today, 'Hey, it's been a while, you haven't hit a home run in a while so why don't you get one today?'" Church said. "We shared a little laugh there when I touched home plate, 'Hey, I got it out of the way.'"
Church ready to be full-time again
(8/26/2008) The New York Daily News reports that Mets Manager Jerry Manuel feels comfortable enough with Ryan Church's health to pronounce him capable of playing full time in right field. That means Daniel Murphy, Nick Evans and Fernando Tatis will have to split the duties in left field.
Church gets two hits before off day
(8/24/2008)Ryan Church had a pair of hits and an RBI in his second game back Saturday. He was going to get a scheduled day off Sunday.
Church starts for Mets right away
(8/23/2008) Mets OF Ryan Church returned to the lineup Friday against the Astros after sitting out with post-concussion syndrome since July 5 and was met with a sustained standing ovation. Perhaps the team's best player before his second head injury in less than three months on May 20, Church beat out a grounder to deep third in the second inning for a hit and went 1-for-3. "I was glad to just test it. It was really good to just bust it down the line," Church said of running out the hit. Manager Jerry Manuel said Church will play Friday and Saturday, then sit against a lefty starter on Sunday, which happens to be a day game following a night game. He also said Church is his starter in right field over the surprising Fernando Tatis.
Church back in Mets lineup
(8/22/2008)Ryan Church was activated from the 15-day disabled list and inserted into right field for the opener of a four-game set against the Houston Astros on Friday night. "I'm really excited to get back in here. We're in a playoff race," Church said. "Hopefully I can contribute, help out, do whatever it takes. I feel great."
Mets ready to activate Church
(8/21/2008)Ryan Church could be back in the New York Mets' outfield for the opener of a four-game series against the Houston Astros on Friday night. Church has been sidelined by post-concussion syndrome since he left a game on July 5 against the Philadelphia Phillies due to dizziness -- six days after he came off the DL. He missed most of June following a May 20 concussion, his second in less than three months. Church was scheduled to play another rehab game for Binghamton on Thursday night after going 0-for-4 and playing nine innings in right field for the Mets' Double-A affiliate on Wednesday night. "He's healthy, playing well, obviously getting the at-bats that he needs," Mets manager Jerry Manuel said Thursday. "And he hasn't had any setbacks. So, with all those things being said, if he does have another good night he'll be playing right field (Friday) night."
Church to be activated Friday
(8/21/2008) The New York Daily News reports that Mets OF Ryan Church will be activated from the 15-day DL on Friday. He has been on there since July 8 with post-concussion syndrome.
Church plays second straight game
(8/20/2008) Mets OF Ryan Church (post-concussion syndrome) went 1-for-3 with a double, a walk and an RBI on Tuesday while playing right field for Triple-A New Orleans for the second consecutive night.
Church plays five innings in field
(8/19/2008) Right fielder Ryan Church (post-concussion syndrome) played five innings in right field for Triple-A New Orleans Monday night, his first time in the field since beginning his minor-league rehab stint.
Storm moves Church rehab to Nawlins
(8/17/2008) The New York Post reports that the impending arrival of Tropical Storm Fay has prompted Mets OF Ryan Church to move his rehab from Florida to New Orleans, where Church will hook up with the Triple-A Zephyrs.
Church goes hitless in rehab game
(8/17/2008) Mets OF Ryan Church (post-concussion syndrome) played his second minor-league rehab game Saturday. He went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts and an intentional walk as the designated hitter for the Gulf Coast League Mets.
Church hasn't seen field in rehab
(8/16/2008)The Sports Xchange notes, Mets RF Ryan Church went 1-for-3 in a rehab game at Class A Port St. Lucie Friday. Church played as the designated hitter and there is no date when he's to play the outfield. Church is on the disabled list with post-concussion syndrome.
Church not ready for rehab games
(8/13/2008) According to The Sports Xchange notes: RF Ryan Church (post-concussion syndrome) is taking part in baseball activities with Class A St. Lucie. The Mets don't have a date when he will start playing in rehab games.
Church doesn't start rehab Tuesday
(8/13/2008)Newsday reports that Mets outfielder Ryan Church did not begin a rehab assignment Tuesday with Class-A St. Lucie.
(8/10/2008)Ryan Church could be back in the Mets' lineup by Aug. 19, the start of a homestand against the Braves and Astros, according to the N.Y. Post. Church will work out in St. Lucie for two or three days, then begin a stepladder schedule of minor league rehab appearances. If no concussion symptoms reappear, Church could be back by the next homestand.
Church heads to Florida to rehab
(8/9/2008) Outfielder Ryan Church (concussions) took batting practice Saturday and was scheduled to leave for the Mets' training complex in Florida to begin a rehab stint next week.
Mets not optimistic about Church
(8/7/2008) The New York Daily News reports that the Mets aren't very optimistic about the chances of OF Ryan Church returning this season. Church has been out since July 6 due to aftereffects from a pair of concussions. "I'm not optimistic about that," manager Jerry Manuel said of getting him back. "It's very foreign to all of us and we just aren't sure as to where it could go. And historically, it hasn't gone in our direction. We've been going through this, I don't know how long. Two months? Whatever. But, if it does turn out to be something favorable for us, it would be very, very welcome."
Church to be evaluated Thurs. or Fri.
(8/6/2008) Mets RF Ryan Church (post-concussion syndrome) took batting practice Wednesday and manager Jerry Manuel said he will be evaluated Thursday or Friday. "And then there will be a decision made as to where he goes from there," Manuel said.
Church to work out, still waiting
(8/5/2008) Mets OF Ryan Church (post-concussion syndrome) was slated to work out before Tuesday's game, general manager Omar Minaya said. The Mets are waiting for doctors to clear Church for a minor-league rehab assignment.
Church to be re-examined soon
(8/2/2008)The Sports Xchange reports that Ryan Church, on the disabled list with post-concussion syndrome, will work out with the team over the weekend, and be re-examined with the team returns to New York. Manager Jerry Manuel said Church would not go from working out to the lineup, saying he would have to be sent out for rehab games.
Church not starting rehab now
(7/31/2008) Instead of starting a rehab assignment, Mets outfielder Ryan Church (post-concussion syndrome) will join the team in Houston on Friday.
Church to start rehab stint Thursday
(7/30/2008) Mets OF Ryan Church will begin his rehabilitation stint with Class A St. Lucie on Thursday.
Church might start rehab soon
(7/30/2008) According to The Sports Xchange notes: RF Ryan Church took batting practice and will work out with the team again Wednesday. Church is on the DL with post-concussion syndrome. He is expected to begin playing in rehab games this week.
Church could be back in 10 days
(7/27/2008) Mets OF Ryan Church (post-concussion syndrome) had his bags packed and was joining his teammates on their upcoming trip to Florida. Church did light physical activity again and could begin baseball activities at the team's facility in St. Lucie on Monday, manager Jerry Manuel said. He'll make at least a couple rehab starts and could be ready for the Mets' next homestand beginning Aug. 5 against San Diego. "He'll travel with us today and, if all systems are go, we'll just leave him in St. Lucie," Manuel said. "He could say, 'Hey, I want to play in a game Tuesday.' ... We'll have to see."
Church doesn't begin rehab Friday
(7/26/2008) Mets OF Ryan Church (post-concussion syndrome) did some light conditioning Friday but remains days away from baseball activity, according to Newsday. He likely won't return to the team until sometime in August.
Church cleared for conditioning work
(7/26/2008) Mets RF Ryan Church (post-concussion syndrome) was cleared to begin light conditioning work but is not expected back before Thursday's trade deadline. "This time around, I didn't have any problems," Church said. "There's no limitations."
Church needs a little more rest
(7/23/2008) According to The Sports Xchange notes: RF Ryan Church, on the DL with post-concussion syndrome, said he is feeling better, but the doctors want to give him more time before he resumes baseball activities.
Church told to lay low Tuesday
(7/22/2008)Ryan Church, out with a concussion, was at Shea Stadium Tuesday to exercise but he was being kept from baseball activities for several days. Church said he was told to "Lay low. "It's tough to do ... but it's something that's going to help me get back quicker." Church is on the disabled list for the second time this season because he has been unable to recover from two concussions. He went back on the DL July 6, six days after he missed most of June following a May 20 concussion, his second in less than three months. Doctors had told Church his latest symptoms could be related to the migraine headaches he has had since he was a teenager. "There is no problem," Church said. "It's just one of those things they wanted me to take a couple of extra days. I feel good." Church thinks his next doctor's appointment is Thursday, when he could be cleared to resume baseball activities.
Church has no timetable for return
(7/18/2008) Mets RF Ryan Church, on the disabled list with post-concussion syndrome, has no timetable for a return, reports The Sports Xchange. "The situation is still ticklish for us," manager Jerry Manuel said. "He said he really feels good, but we're going to be cautious with this."
Church won't be back to face Phillies
(7/17/2008) Mets manager Jerry Manuel doesn't expect OF Ryan Church back for the series in Philadelphia next week. Church sustained a mild concussion on May 20 at Atlanta and has been having headaches. Church is eligible to return from the 15-day disabled list for the series against the Phillies, but Manuel said that's unlikely. "He's feeling real good," Manuel said. "He wants to do things, but they're being very cautious about it, and right fully so."
Church could rehab this week
(7/14/2008) The New York Post reports that Mets OF Ryan Church played catch and swung in the batting cages Sunday as he continues to get over post-concussion syndrome and migraines. Church, who is on the DL until at least July 21, could make a minor-league rehab assignment as soon as this week.
Migraines are Church's major issue
(7/13/2008) The New York Daily News reports that the recent fatigue and dizziness troubles felt by Mets OF Ryan Church are migraine-related and not directly attributable to two concussions. Church is eligible to return from the DL on July 21, but might not return right away. "You're always encouraged when you hear things are going well, but I think we're just going to have to wait and see on that," GM Omar Minaya said Saturday. "Whenever the doctors say he's all clear, then we'll go with it. I've always felt positive that he's going to be fine." Said Church: "I believe I'll be back sooner than a lot of people are saying out there. I won't be sitting the rest of the year out."
Church says season might be over
(7/10/2008)The Sports Xchange reports that Mets OF Ryan Church, on the disabled list for a second time with post-concussion syndrome, said being shut down for the rest of the season is still a possibility if things don't improve.
Church placed on DL after all
(7/8/2008) The Mets place Ryan Church (post-concussion syndrome) on the 15-day DL on Tuesday and recalled rookie Nick Evans from Double-A.
Church not a DL candidate right now
(7/8/2008) According to The Sports Xchange notes: Mets outfielder Ryan Church was examined Monday by a neurologist. Church, who has sustained two concussions this year, left Saturday's game complaining of dizziness brought on by a migraine headache, and still feeling the effects, did not play the following day. Church consulted with his doctor by phone and was told his symptoms were consistent with a migraine. However, when Church was initially injured May 20 at Atlanta, he said the symptoms of dizziness, migraines and nausea were also consistent with a concussion. "Based on the information we have, this is migraine-related," GM Omar Minaya said. "These are normal symptoms... Based on the information we have, there's nothing for us to believe this will be a (disabled list) situation. He will play when the doctors give us clearance."
Church to get more tests on his head
(7/7/2008) The New York Daily News reports that Mets OF Ryan Church headed for tests on his head Sunday because of lingering symptoms from the concussion he suffered on May 21. That knock to his head was the second one this year, as he also got cracked in the noggin in spring training.
Church takes routine day off Friday
(7/5/2008)The Sports Xchange reports Mets RF Ryan Church did not start Friday, but was available to pinch hit. It was a day off and not lingering concussion symptoms.
Church doing well off DL
(7/3/2008) Mets OF Ryan Church had two singles in five at-bats Wednesday against the Cardinals. He also scored once. Church has hit safely in all four games since coming off the DL June 29. He is 7-for-17 (.412) with no homers and one RBI in that span.
Church's bell rings with two hits
(6/29/2008) Mets RF Ryan Church was activated from the DL and went 2-for-4 in his first game since June 6. He had been slowed by the effects of his second concussion this year. "Everything felt fine," Church said. "Just getting back into the flow."
(6/29/2008) Outfielder Ryan Church returned from the disabled list Sunday and was put right into the New York Mets' starting lineup against the New York Yankees. Church had not played since June 6 because of the effects of his second concussion this year. He was activated from the disabled list and recently acquired outfielder Trot Nixon went on the 15-day DL with a strained groin. Church batted sixth and played right field against the Yankees. Over the last month, he had been slowed by dizziness, had trouble with bright light and felt uncomfortable on team flights.
Church probably to be activated Sunday
(6/28/2008) Manager Jerry Manuel said the Mets "more than likely" will activate RF Ryan Church (post-concussion syndrome) from the disabled list Sunday. "From what I hear he's cleared of all those symptoms. He's got a clean bill of health," Manuel said. "I think he's ready to go."
Church hitless in 2nd rehab game
(6/28/2008) Mets RF Ryan Church (post-concussion syndrome) went 0-for-3 and played seven innings in RF for Class-A Brooklyn Friday, the second game of his minor league rehab assignment. A decision will be made Saturday on where Church will play next.
Mets to go to Church on Sunday?
(6/27/2008) The New York Post reports that Mets OF Ryan Church, who is recovering from post-concussion syndrome, could be activated off the disabled list on Sunday for the series finale against the Yankees. Mets manager Jerry Manuel said there is "an outside chance".
Church goes 3-for-3 on assignment
(6/26/2008) Mets OF Ryan Church went 3-for-3 and played five innings in right field Thursday night in his first rehab start with Class-A Brooklyn. Church, out with a concussion since June 6, had two infield hits and a double playing in front of general manager Omar Minaya and team vice president Tony Bernazard. The Mets said he felt fine afterward and will play at least one more game with the Cyclones.
Church to start rehab Thursday
(6/25/2008) Mets RF Ryan Church, out with a concussion since June 6, will make his first rehab start Thursday for Class A Brooklyn.
Church's weekend status in doubt
(6/25/2008) According to The Sports Xchange notes: RF Ryan Church, on the disabled list with post-concussion syndrome, might not be activated in time for this weekend's series against the Yankees. The plan is for Church to work out Wednesday at Shea Stadium and then get some at-bats with Class A Brooklyn.
Church takes batting practice Monday
(6/23/2008) Mets RF Ryan Church, on the disabled list due to post-concussion syndrome, took batting practice with the team Monday and worked out before the game against the Mariners. He said he's been feeling fine for a while now. He could begin a rehab assignment with Class A Brooklyn this week and return to New York's lineup during a weekend series against the Yankees.
Church could return this weekend
(6/23/2008) According to The Sports Xchange notes: RF Ryan Church (concussion) is expected to take batting practice Monday. Barring complications, Church could begin a brief rehab assignment for Class A Brooklyn and might rejoin the team next weekend for the series against the Yankees.
Church nearing rehab assignment
(6/21/2008)The Sports Xchange reports that Ryan Church, on the disabled list with post-concussion syndrome, will begin working out with the team when it returns to New York. After several days, the plan is for him to play several rehab games for Class A Brooklyn.
Church to take BP at Shea Monday
(6/21/2008) Mets manager Jerry Manuel said Friday that OF Ryan Church (post-concussion syndrome) is jogging and will join the team in batting practice when they return to Shea Stadium on Monday. "We'll get him over to (Class A) Brooklyn and get him some games," Manuel said.
Church not viable in Week 12
(6/16/2008) According to the Sports Xchange notes: Outfielder Ryan Church, on the disabled list with post-concussion syndrome, does not know when he'll be activated. He said he's feeling better and not experiencing any dizziness, and will begin working out. "It's progressing every day, it's getting better," Church said. "I haven't had any spells or anything like that. It's just one of those things now, waiting out time on the DL. I haven't had any spells. I haven't been waking up and getting out of bed. It's tough not being able to go out there -- strap up and go out to battle -- can't be a part of it. I just have to take my time. (I've) got a few more days on the DL and (I'll) go from there."
Church not traveling with team
(6/15/2008) Mets RF Ryan Church, on the DL with post-concussion syndrome, visited the clubhouse Sunday. He said he has not had any dizziness in several days and was feeling much better. He will not make the trip with the team west for a six-game slate.
Concussion finally shelves Church
(6/10/2008) According to The Sports Xchange notes: Three weeks after sustaining a concussion, the Mets finally placed Ryan Church on the DL on Monday. Church was re-examined by a neurologist at the Hospital of Special Surgery and said he still didn't feel right. "He will not play until he's able," GM Omar Minaya said. Church was injured May 20 at Atlanta in a base-running collision while attempting to break up a double play. He appeared several times as a pinch-hitter, but said he was unable to play the outfield because of dizziness. Church started June 1 against Los Angeles and went 3-for-4 including a homer, and then played the next two games at San Francisco. Manager Willie Randolph did not start him June 4 at San Francisco, saying Church was tired and needed to build up his leg strength and stamina. After being unable to pinch-hit Friday, the Mets held him out for the remainder of the San Diego series.
Mets will have to put Church on DL
(6/10/2008) Mets outfielder Ryan Church will go on the disabled list Tuesday, still slowed by the effects of a concussion nearly three weeks ago. Church's most recent examination with a neurologist didn't show dizziness or any major symptoms, the Mets said Monday. But he doesn't feel 100 percent, and the team decided to hold him out longer. The move to the DL would be made retroactive to Friday, a day after Church last played. The Mets will make it official before opening a series at home against Arizona.
Church will take a few games off
(6/8/2008) Mets OF Ryan Church will not play the final two games of the road trip Saturday and Sunday at San Diego because he said he "didn't feel right." Church played on Thursday night against San Diego but sat out Friday because Mets manager Willie Randolph said before the game he wanted to "try and get him in shape." But Randolph said Saturday that Church hadn't been feeling well enough to play during Friday's game. "I'm not a doctor. He told me that he felt pressure," Randolph said. Randolph said the club will "shut him down for a few days and see how he is when we get back to New York."
Church needs to build up stamina
(6/7/2008) The Mets rested OF Ryan Church on Friday at San Diego to "try and get him in shape," according to Mets manager Willie Randolph. "There's a chance to build up his stamina." Church returned May 27 after sustaining a mild concussion on May 20 at Atlanta.
Flight doesn't affect Church
(6/3/2008) According to The Sports Xchange notes: RF Ryan Church was in the lineup for the second straight game and went 0-for-3. Church complained of dizziness after his last cross-country flight, but said he was fine after the trip to the Bay Area. "It was a good flight," Church said. "The pilot flew well. He kept the plane in the air."
Church falls back in stride with HR
(6/2/2008) Back in the lineup Saturday against the Dodgers after his second concussion this year, Mets OF Ryan Church capped a five-run third inning with a two-run home run to right field. He finished with a double and three hits in four at-bats. "It's great getting back out there with the guys," said Church, who was given the go-ahead from doctors to play Sunday morning. "I couldn't ask for anything better the first day back."
Church a possibility to play Sunday
(5/31/2008) Saturday against the Dodgers, Mets OF Ryan Church missed his 11th straight start with a concussion -- his second in less than three months. Church worked out before the game and said he felt better. He might start Sunday night if he feels OK.
Church works out, might go Saturday
(5/31/2008) Mets OF Ryan Church missed his 10th consecutive start with a concussion Friday against the Dodgers. He took swings during batting practice, shagged flies and did some running. He said he'd like to play Saturday, but it's unclear when the Mets might put him back in the lineup.
Church still not cleared to play
(5/30/2008)The Sports Xchange reports that Ryan Church played catch prior to Thursday's game without problems. Church hasn't started a game since he sustained a concussion May 20 at Atlanta while trying to break up a double play. According to the Mets medical staff, Church has to be symptom-free for a day, then wait two more days before he can be cleared to play.
Church finally back at Shea
(5/29/2008) Mets outfielder Ryan Church returned to Shea Stadium on Thursday, still uncertain when he'll rejoin the lineup following his second concussion this year. Feeling dizzy, Church was sent home Tuesday and told to avoid bright lights. "We're just in a holding pattern," Church said before Thursday night's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Church was hurt May 20 trying to break up a game-ending double play at Atlanta. He has not started since then, but has pinch-hit four times. He's had an MRI exam and CT scan since the injury. "I spoke to him and he's going to take it real light," New York manager Willie Randolph said.
Church still not with team
(5/28/2008) RF Ryan Church had a negative CT scan and was not at Shea Stadium on Wednesday. It has been nine days now since he sustained a concussion trying to break up a double play at Atlanta. He remains day-to-day. The Mets have used Church as a pinch hitter several times since he was hurt, most recently Monday. That means they gave up the right to put him on the DL retroactive to May 20.
Church's brain OK; DL a possibility
(5/27/2008) Mets OF Ryan Church was sent home Tuesday, still dizzy after sustaining a concussion last week -- his second in less than three months. Church was examined by a neurologist and underwent an MRI exam that did not reveal any brain injuries, general manager Omar Minaya said. Rather than come to Shea Stadium for New York's game against the Marlins, Church was sent home to rest and told to avoid bright lights.
(5/26/2008) Mets OF Ryan Church (mild concussion) missed a sixth straight start Monday against the Marlins. He did pinch hit for Aaron Heilman in the sixth and grounded out. Church is expected to visit with a specialist Tuesday and remains doubtful for Tuesday's game.
Church still feels woozy Sunday
(5/25/2008) Mets OF Ryan Church (mild concussion) missed a fifth straight game Sunday against the Rockies. He was available to pinch hit, but still felt woozy before the game. "I felt great this morning until I started moving around too much," Church told MLB.com. "I could feel like this and hit, that's fine. I just don't want to be like this in the outfield. I could hurt myself or somebody else."
Church still 'feels a little funny'
(5/24/2008) Mets manager Willie Randolph sat OF Ryan Church (mild concussion) for a fourth straight game Saturday at Colorado. "He still says he feels a little funny," Randolph said.
Church feels dizziness, out again
(5/24/2008) Mets OF Ryan Church (mild concussion) said he felt dizzy after the team's flight from Atlanta to Denver on Thursday night. He was out of the starting lineup Friday at Colorado for the third straight day. He pinch-hit in the 11th inning and grounded out.
Church tags pinch-hit single
(5/22/2008) Mets OF Ryan Church missed his second straight Thursday against the Braves because of a mild concussion. Church did appear as a pinch hitter in the eighth and singled off Tim Hudson.
Church OK, could play soon
(5/21/2008)Newsday reports that Mets OF Ryan Church, who sustained a nasty blow to the head in the second game of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Braves, had a clear CT scan and could return to action on Thursday or Friday.
Church taken to hospital Tuesday
(5/21/2008) While trying to break up a game-ending double play, Mets OF Ryan Church sustained a mild concussion when his head banged into the right knee of Braves SS Yunel Escobar on Tuesday night. Church had a red scrape on the right side of his forehead, and the Mets said he would be taken to Piedmont Hospital for a precautionary examination since he sustained a concussion in spring training. The play happened in the ninth inning in Game 2 of a doubleheader. After Carlos Beltran and Church had back-to-back singles, Damion Easley hit a hard grounder back to the mound. Manny Acosta fielded it and turned quickly to throw to second. Escobar took the throw and veered off to the side of the bag to make the relay to first. Church slid toward the shortstop, hoping to break up the double play, but his helmet collided with Escobar's right knee.
Church gets kneed in the head
(5/21/2008) The long battle between the Mets and Braves ended with a scary play in the second game of a doubleheader Tuesday. While turning a double play at second base, Braves shortstop Yunel Escobar struck Mets OF Ryan Church in the head with his right knee. Church was face down on the field for several minutes before staggering off, while Escobar had to be helped to the Braves dugout.
Church goes deep Sunday off Wang
(5/19/2008) Mets OF Ryan Church connected for his ninth home run leading off the sixth inning Sunday at the Yankees, only the second homer Yankees SP Chien-Ming Wang has allowed in 10 starts this year. Church finished 1-for-4 with three runs scored and two RBI.
Church leads Mets to win Tuesday
(5/13/2008)Ryan Church homered, doubled and drove in four runs against his former team to lead the New York Mets over the Washington Nationals 6-3 on Tuesday night. Church, who hit a solo home run to center off John Lannan in the third inning, had the go-ahead hit in the sixth inning. He ripped a liner off Lannan to right field that was misplayed by Austin Kearns and scored two runs as New York went up 4-2. Church later added a sac fly as he finished 2-for-4.
Church heeds the HR call Sunday
(5/11/2008)Carlos Beltran and Ryan Church hit back-to-back homers in the fifth inning to support Oliver Perez and lead the New York Mets to an 8-3 victory Sunday over the bumbling Cincinnati Reds. Beltran went deep with Luis Castillo aboard, his first home run since April 24, before Church connected for his seventh home run of the season. Church finished 1-for-4 with two strikeouts.
Church goes deep again Wednesday
(5/7/2008) Mets OF Ryan Church led off the sixth inning of Wednesday's game against the Dodgers with his sixth homer -- a solo shot off Scott Proctor -- and second in two days. Church would finish 3-for-3 with three runs. Church is 10-for-27 (.370) with three homers and six RBI in his last seven games.
Church continues to produce
(5/3/2008) At Arizona Friday, Ryan Church and David Wright homered for the Mets, who have won four of five. Church hit a two-out line drive into the right-field stands in the fourth and Wright went deep for a two-run shot with two outs in the sixth.
Church pops third homer of season
(4/30/2008)Ryan Church hit his third homer of the season over the right-center field fence Tuesday.
Church, Beltran avoid injury
(4/27/2008) With Jeff Francoeur on second and two outs Sunday, Mark Teixeira drove the ball to right-center. Ryan Church and Carlos Beltran collided on the warning track, with Church holding on to make the catch. Church was slow to get up after his left foot was pinned against the wall, rolling his ankle, but he said afterward he was fine. "I saw him. He heard me. The only thing he could do, he was telling me after, was to do that slide and get out of the way," Church said. "It could've got ugly, but I made the play." In the dugout, reliever Scott Schoeneweis said, he told Church, "I'm on my way to buy a lottery ticket."
Hot-hitting Church bumped down order
(4/21/2008)The Sports Xchange reports that Mets RF Ryan Church had hit safely in five straight games since being moved to No. 2 in the order -- the Mets won them all -- but was dropped down to sixth Sunday at Philadelphia. "It doesn't matter where I hit in the lineup as long as I'm in the lineup to hit somewhere," Church said.
Two more hits for streaking Church
(4/19/2008) Mets OF Ryan Church went 2-for-4 with a run scored Saturday at Philadelphia and now has four two-hit games over his last six. He's batting .417 (10-for-24) over that stretch.
Church gaps his first double Sunday
(4/13/2008) Mets OF Ryan Church had two hits, including his first double, two runs and an intentional walk in three at-bats during Sunday's game against the Brewers. He has hit safely in four of the last five games (6-for-19) and is hitting .326 on the season.
Church has heavenly outing Wednesday
(4/3/2008) Mets CF Ryan Church went 3-for-5 with a two-run homer, three RBI and two runs scored Wednesday in a 13-0 thrashing of the Marlins. His round-tripper came on a slider from Florida starter Andrew Miller. "He did me a little favor because those first two fastballs were already in the catcher's glove by the time I swung," Church said. "I was just able to stay on that pitch."
Church plays in first game with Mets
(3/31/2008) OF Ryan Church made his regular-season Mets debut Monday against the Marlins. The right fielder, acquired in a deal that sent Lastings Milledge to Washington, had a RBI single in four at-bats against Florida.
Church busts out with two doubles
(3/27/2008) Mets OF Ryan Church had two doubles and finished with three hits in five at-bats Thursday against the Braves. He also had one RBI and one run. He raised his spring average to .229. He also has four doubles and two RBI in 19 spring games.
Church returns to field
(3/8/2008) New York outfielders Ryan Church (concussion) and Endy Chavez (ankle) returned to the field against the Marlins Saturday in a spring training game. So did C Brian Schneider, who has been out with a hamstring injury. Schneider homered.
Church returns to baseball activity
(3/7/2008)Newsday reports that Ryan Church took batting practice over on Field 2, and now that he has resumed baseball activity, he should be back soon.
Church back to feeling bad
(3/5/2008) Mets OF Ryan Church (concussion) said he felt awful Wednesday and the team told him to rest, forcing him to miss a spring game with the Dodgers. He had been encouraged Tuesday when he worked out in a pool and felt much better. Church suffered a Grade 2 concussion Saturday after colliding with Marlon Anderson in the outfield.
Mets' Church starts to feel better
(3/4/2008)Ryan Church felt much better Tuesday and experienced no dizziness while working out in a pool, the first step in his recovery from a concussion. The Mets' new right fielder was injured in a violent collision with teammate Marlon Anderson on Saturday against the Los Angeles Dodgers and will miss at least a few spring training games. The team said Church will resume playing when he is free of concussion symptoms. Church and Anderson, a pinch-hitting specialist who was playing first base, crashed into each other in shallow right field Saturday while chasing Andruw Jones' popup.
(3/1/2008) Mets OF Ryan Church sustained a concussion Saturday against the Dodgers in a violent collision with teammate Marlon Anderson and will be sidelined at least a couple of days. Church and Anderson crashed into each other in shallow right field while chasing Andruw Jones' fourth-inning popup. A woozy Church, the team's new right fielder, was helped off the field and won't play again until he is free of concussion symptoms, the Mets said. Manager Willie Randolph said Church didn't lose consciousness. "He was OK. He was just stunned," he said.
Randolph praises power of Church
(2/21/2008) Manager Willie Randolph raved about the power of offseason acquisition Ryan Church, who was acquired in a trade with the Washington Nationals. "He's a strong kid. He's a lot stronger than I thought when you walk up to him," Randolph said.
Mets want Church to bat every day
(2/17/2008) Mets manager Willie Randolph said right field is Ryan Church's job to lose, but some question whether he can hit left-handers consistently enough. Church batted .229 with one home run against lefties last year. He is a .254 career hitter against them, but only three of his 35 home runs have come off southpaws. "I think last year was just one of those fluke-type things. I never could really get into a comfort zone against lefties. It just didn't feel right," Church said. "My goal this spring training is to focus more on hitting off lefties. If there's opportunities to step in against these guys during BP, anything like that." Randolph will give him every opportunity to succeed. "I'm not going to go in assuming that he can't hit lefties," the manager said. "The more he sees it, probably the better he'll get."
Mets, Church avoid arbitration
(2/8/2008)Ryan Church and the Mets avoided an arbitration hearing, agreeing Thursday to a $2 million, one-year contract. After making $395,000 last season, he asked for $2.45 million in arbitration while the Mets offered $1.75 million. He can earn an additional $120,000 in performances bonuses: $50,000 for 450 plate appearances; $40,000 for 535 plate appearances and $30,000 for 550 plate appearances.
Mets get Church for RF mix
(11/30/2007) Catcher Brian Schneider and outfielder Ryan Church were traded to the Mets by the Nationals on Friday for outfielder Lastings Milledge. In Schneider, the Mets add yet another catcher, following their trade for Johnny Estrada last week. Mets GM Omar Minaya is familiar with both players he gets in the deal from his time as GM of the Montreal Expos, the franchise that moved to Washington before the 2005 season. Church hit .272 with 15 homers and 70 RBI, while tying for the team lead with 43 doubles.
Church has another huge game
(9/27/2007) Ryan Church homered and drove in four runs for the feisty Nationals, who completed a three-game sweep at Shea Stadium and improved to 5-1 against the Mets in a 10-day span Wednesday.
Ryan Church hits two more doubles
(9/25/2007) Nationals OF Ryan Church had two doubles, his 41st and 42nd of the season, in four at-bats Monday at the Mets. He also had two RBI and one run scored, walked once and struck out once.
Church reaches 40 doubles
(9/20/2007) Nationals OF Ryan Church had two doubles, drove in two runs and walked twice during Thursday's game against the Phillies. Church now has 40 doubles on the season and is 5-for-12 (.417) with two homers and five RBI in his last five games.
Church, Pena both hit 13th HR
(9/12/2007) OFs Ryan Church and Wily Mo Pena both went yard for the Washington Nationals in their 12-inning loss to the Marlins on Wednesday. Both homers were each player's 13th on the year.
Church comes through in start
(9/9/2007) Nationals OF Ryan Church, spending more time on the bench after Washington acquired Wily Mo Pena Aug. 17, made the most of his start Sunday at the Braves, hitting a go-ahead, three-run homer off Braves SP Lance Cormier in the sixth inning to lead the Nats to a 7-4 win.
Church languishing on the bench
(9/8/2007) OF Ryan Church is getting plenty of time on the bench while the Nationals go with Wily Mo Pena, who was acquired on Aug. 17. Church went into Friday's game hitting .265 with 11 homers and 55 RBI, compared with Pena's .226 average, 10 homers and 27 RBI. Asked how Church was taking the reduced playing time, manager Manny Acta said, "Our relationship's been pretty normal. He understands what we're trying to do here."
Church comes in for W.M. Pena
(8/28/2007) Wily Mo Pena homered at the Dodgers Monday after fouling the ball off his left foot on the previous pitch. "I knew I was hurt, but I pretended like nothing happened. Then when I walked around, I couldn't do anything," he said. "So I stepped back in there, saw another two-seamer and I just hit it. I tried to put my foot down, but I couldn't put any weight on it, so I had to start jumping to first base because I was hurt." He winced in pain hobbling around the bases, then left in the bottom half and was replaced by Ryan Church.
Church blasts two-run HR
(8/26/2007) Nationals OF Ryan Church had just a two-run homer in four at-bats Sunday against the Rockies. It was his 11th home run and third since Aug. 12. Church came into Sunday's game with just three hits in his previous 15 at-bats.
Church starts in center Monday
(8/21/2007) OF Ryan Church was back starting in center field Monday, a day after OF Austin Kearns made his first start of the season in center.
Church to platoon with Pena
(8/18/2007) LF Wily Mo Pena, acquired in a trade with the Red Sox, will platoon with Ryan Church in left field once he arrives on Saturday. Pena has 67 homers - as well as 436 strikeouts - in 459 games over six seasons with Cincinnati and Boston. "We don't score a lot of runs," GM Jim Bowden said. "We don't have a lot of depth at the higher levels right now, and he's 25 years old with power. It was an opportunity we couldn't turn down."
Trade takes PT away from Church
(8/17/2007) The Washington Nationals acquired outfielder Wily Mo Pena and cash from the Boston Red Sox on Friday for a player to be named. Pena will join the team Saturday, and his arrival means a demotion of sorts for Ryan Church, who has been the everyday left fielder. "Certainly sometimes acquisitions can motivate other players to step up their game," Bowden said.
Church snaps out of slump
(8/13/2007) OF Ryan Church broke a 2-for-16 slump with a single in the seventh inning Sunday afternoon. An inning later, he hit a tying two-run homer to help lift the Nationals to a 7-6 victory at Arizona.
Church nets double, RBI
(7/18/2007) Nationals OF Ryan Church went 2-for-4 with one run, his 27th double and one RBI during Wednesday's game against the Astros. He has three multi-hit outings in his last six games. He is 7-for-23 (.304) with two RBI in that span.
Church busts out with three hits
(7/8/2007) Nationals OF Ryan Church went 3-for-3 with one run and one RBI during Saturday's game against the Brewers. He is 5-for-11 (.455) in his last four games.
Church sits again Thursday
(7/6/2007)The Sports Xchange reports that Ryan Church was out of the lineup for the second straight night, a product of his recent slump at the plate. Church is batting just .190 over his last 16 games. "He's just been scuffling, especially against left-handed pitchers lately," manager Manny Acta said. "He's working on his swing and trying to clear his head. We're just going to give him a couple of days."
Church sits Wednesday
(7/5/2007)The Sports Xchange notes: OF Ryan Church was out of the lineup against the Cubs Wednesday. Church has hit just .190 over his last 16 games, and manager Manny Acta wanted to give him a chance to catch his breath.
CF Church plays on Monday
(6/18/2007) Ryan Church (quadriceps) is in the starting lineup for Monday's interleague game against the Tigers. He is batting sixth and starting in center field for manager Manny Acta.
Church gets a day to rest
(6/17/2007) OF Ryan Church (sore quad) got the day off Sunday. "He's a little banged up," manager Manny Acta said.
Church starts on Friday
(6/16/2007) Nationals OF Ryan Church (leg) returned to the team's starting lineup Friday against the Blue Jays. He was hitless in four at-bats.
Church expected back Friday
(6/15/2007) Ryan Church wasn't in the starting lineup Thursday because of a sore right thigh, but Church is expected back in the starting lineup Friday, according to The Sports Xchange. "There's no problem. There's nothing wrong," said Church.
(6/14/2007) Nationals OF Ryan Church missed Thursday's game against the Orioles with a leg injury.
Church pops sixth homer
(5/31/2007) Nationals OF Ryan Church went 2-for-4 with one run, one walk, one homer and two RBI during Thursday's game against the Dodgers. It was his sixth homer of the season, but first since May 23 and just third in May.
Church starts despite swollen arm
(5/25/2007) Nationals OF Ryan Church made his second consecutive start Thursday, even though the left forearm injury that kept out of the starting lineup Monday and Tuesday became swollen during Wednesday's game. He still hit two home runs and drove in a career-high six runs in the Nationals' 12-7 win. "He proved (Wednesday) that he's ready," manager Manny Acta said.
Church returns in big way
(5/24/2007) Soon after his first-inning home run, Ryan Church felt his bruised left forearm starting to swell. Good thing for the Washington Nationals that he decided to keep playing. Church returned to the lineup with a pair of homers and a career-high six RBI on Wednesday night, keeping the Nationals on their offensive tear with a 12-7 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. Church didn't hit during the first two games at Great American Ball Park because his left forearm was swollen after getting plunked by a pitch on Sunday. Church also had his 16th double in the game.
Nats' Church resting sore forearm
(5/23/2007) LF Ryan Church was sidelined for the second consecutive day by a sore left forearm. He was hit by a pitch from Baltimore's Erik Bedard on Sunday, and hasn't played since. The arm bothered him when he hit off a tee. "When I'm pulling down through the strike zone, it tweaked up a little bit because of the swelling," he said Tuesday.
Church sits again Tuesday
(5/22/2007) Ryan Church (forearm) was unable to start for the second straight night on Tuesday in Cincinnati. Nook Logan got a start in center field and Ryan Langerhans started in left.
Church misses Monday's game
(5/21/2007) LF Ryan Church was out of the lineup on Monday at Cincinnati, a day after he was hit on the left forearm by a pitch. "I would say he'll need one day off," manager Manny Acta said. "It's still swollen. He's having a tough time gripping the bat. He was due for a day off anyway."
Church gets positive news
(5/21/2007) LF Ryan Church left Sunday's game against the Orioles with a bruised and swollen left forearm after getting hit by a pitch. An MRI exam showed the arm wasn't broken, and Church said he hoped to be able to play Monday at Cincinnati.
Church sustains bruised forearm
(5/20/2007) Nationals LF Ryan Church left in the sixth inning of Sunday's game against the Orioles with a bruised left forearm. He was hit by Erik Bedard with a pitch in the fourth inning. He was 0-for-1 with a strikeout before leaving the game.
Church getting used to cleanup spot
(5/17/2007) Washington's Ryan Church is finally getting comfortable as the Nationals' cleanup hitter. Church had just three RBIs in 14 games since moving to the fourth spot in Washington's lineup just over two weeks ago, but he came through Wednesday with a three-run double to key the Nationals' 6-4 comeback win over the Braves. "It's just one of those things trying to get accustomed to that four-hole," Church said. "I'm not really accustomed to every team really paying attention to you and being sandwiched between some good hitters in (Ryan) Zimmerman and (Austin) Kearns."
Church gets on base
(5/11/2007) Washington OF Ryan Church has been the Nationals' most productive hitter all season, but he's impressed the club more with his patience at the plate than with any of his 15 extra-base hits. Church has drawn 20 walks in 34 games, giving him a team-high .387 on-base percentage.
Church moves to cleanup spot
(5/1/2007) His offense struggling to produce, Nationals manager Manny Acta decided to shake things up Monday night and put his most productive hitter to date in a better position to do more damage. Acta bumped Ryan Church up to the cleanup spot, hoping the center fielder could drive in more runs and help provide some much-needed pop to the lineup. Church entered the game with a .282 average, three homers, 12 RBI and a team-high nine doubles. He responded Monday by going 1-for-3 with a double, two runs and a stolen base. Acta said the new look, with former cleanup hitter Dmitri Young moved down to the six-hole, would be "semi-permanent." "It's not going to be a permanent thing," the manager said, "but we do have to start looking for solutions to try to create something offensively here."
Church delivers ninth double
(4/25/2007) Ryan Church was 2-for-4 with his ninth double of the season in Tuesday's game against Philadelphia. He also posted his ninth RBI of the season.
Church benched for lack of hustle
(4/23/2007) OF Ryan Church was benched by manager Manny Acta in the second inning of Sunday's 12-6 loss to the Marlins for failing to run out a routine grounder to the right side of the infield. Acta said he wanted to get a message across to his players that he demands their full effort all of the time. "I think everybody here knows from day one when I took this job that I'm a Ryan Church fan," Acta said. "But we're going to keep teaching here to play the game the right way. Win or lose, we're going to play hard, and that's not going to be tolerated."
Church punished on Sunday
(4/23/2007) Ryan Church was removed from Sunday's game in the second inning of Sunday's game at Florida for "not running hard" on a groundout, according to manager Manny Acta said.
Church taken out early by manager
(4/22/2007) Nationals OF Ryan Church was taken out of Sunday's game in the middle of the second inning by manager Manny Acta. The initial report is that he was not injured in the game.
Church's hit streak snapped
(4/16/2007) Ryan Church went 0-for-2 with two walks in Monday's game against the Braves, ending his career-high 11-game hitting streak.
Church's hit streak at 11 games
(4/14/2007) Nationals CF Ryan Church extended his hitting streak to 11 games with a 2-for-4 game against the Mets Saturday. He had his sixth double, third homer and sixth RBI in the 6-2 win. Church has gotten a hit in all but one of 12 games this season. He is hitting .357 on the season.
Church has eight-game hit streak
(4/11/2007) Nationals OF Ryan Church went 3-for-4 with one run, one RBI and his fifth double of the season Wednesday against the Braves. He is currently on a eight-game hitting streak in which he is batting .379 (11-29) with two homers and five RBI.
Nats struggling with flu bug
(4/11/2007) RF Austin Kearns, 3B Ryan Zimmerman, CF Ryan Church and LHP Matt Chico started despite having flu symptoms.
Nats shuffle struggling lineup
(4/10/2007) Manager Manny Acta will try to shake things up with a new-look lineup this week. Austin Kearns, who had been hitting cleanup, is being bumped down to the No. 5 spot, with Dmitri Young moving up to No. 4. Ryan Church, who has six extra-base hits already, will now bat sixth, with Ronnie Belliard and Brian Schneider behind him. "We'll bounce back," Church said. "We're paid to hit, so eventually we're going to come around."
Church racks up second HR
(4/6/2007) Nationals CF Ryan Church went yard for the second time this season during Friday's 7-1 loss to the Diamondbacks. His second home run came in the bottom of the ninth inning off Juan Cruz. He now has four RBI and a .294 batting average through five games.
Church smacks three-run shot
(4/4/2007) The Marlins built leads of 5-0 and 6-1 Wednesday, before Ryan Church's three-run homer off Anibal Sanchez in the sixth made it 6-4.
Church to center; Snelling to bench?
(4/3/2007) The Nationals put center fielder Nook Logan on the 15-day DL on Tuesday with a left foot injury and recalled Kory Casto from Triple-A Columbus. Logan is expected to miss two to three weeks with a strained left foot. Casto's primary position is as an outfielder, although the Nationals have said they consider him available to play at first base or third base as a backup. Chris Snelling will likely be a reserve outfielder still, with Ryan Church getting a bulk of the starting time in center.
Nats forced to jigger outfield
(4/2/2007) Nationals center fielder Nook Logan got his left ankle snagged in the padding of the wall while making a catch and left Monday's season opener. He left the game after making a running, leaping grab of Dan Uggla's fly ball in the fourth inning. After throwing the ball to the infield, Logan hopped along the warning track for a bit before sitting down. Ryan Church shifted from left field to center, and Chris Snelling entered in left.
(3/25/2007) The Nationals began to prepare for starting the season without Nook Logan in center field. "It's going to be at least two weeks," before Logan can return after straining his right groin Saturday, manager Manny Acta said. Said GM Jim Bowden: "The one thing we don't want to do is bring him back too early and have him pull it and be out a long time." Ryan Church started in center on Sunday against the Atlanta Braves, while Chris Snelling took Church's spot in left. Logan's injury also makes it pretty certain that Kory Casto, who's never been above Double-A, will make the team. "We're leaning more toward finding out what Casto can really do up here," Acta said. Casto would get time in the outfield, but Bowden said he also could see time as a backup at first base, where Young and utility player Robert Fick are the only other options now.
Church has five RBI game Thursday
(3/23/2007) Ryan Church had three hits, including a home run, and five RBIs to lead the Nationals past the Astros Thursday in Kissimmee, Fla.
Snelling battles Church for LF job
(3/20/2007) MLB.com reports that while Nationals manager Manny Acta said earlier this spring that Ryan Church would be his starting left fielder, Chris Snelling is putting himself in the mix. Moreover, GM Jim Bowden stated publicly that Snelling has a shot at the left field job, citing Church's bad spring. Church is hitting .175 this spring while Snelling is hitting .310 with three homers and 11 RBI. "There is no competition for me. From what I hear, the manager has made up his mind on who he likes and that is out of my control," Snelling said. "I think [reporters] look at stats. There's nothing wrong with that. For me, as a player, it's not about me. It's about the team. I could be hitting a .150 or .350. I don't really care, as long as we're winning. That's all that I care about."
Church drives in four Saturday
(3/17/2007) Nationals OF Ryan Church went 3-for-6 with one run and four RBI Saturday against the Mets. He had a double in the game as well. Church is now just 7-for-34 (.206) with six RBI through 12 spring games.
Church works to get better at plate
(2/21/2007) Nationals OF Ryan Church was among the first position players to report early to spring training. Church, who is competing for the starting left field job after two inconsistent seasons in the majors, said he's recommitted to proving his worth. He worked extensively with a vision expert this winter and says he's now picking up the ball out of the pitcher's hand better. And he welcomes the challenge of fellow OFs Alex Escobar, Chris Snelling and Kory Casto. "(The Nationals front office) already said we're going young," Church said. "For me, I've got to take it as a challenge, go out there and outplay these guys. That's all I can do."
Church has early edge on Casto
(1/31/2007) Manny Acta, the Nats' new manager, told the Washington Post: "If the season starts tomorrow, (Ryan) Church is the left fielder," he said. That lease rookie Kory Casto in Triple-A if he fails to beat out Church.
Church hits homer No. 10
(9/29/2006) OF Ryan Church went 2-for-4 Friday with a solo home run as the Nationals lost 4-3 to the Mets.
Church starts Friday for Kearns
(9/15/2006) RF Austin Kearns was out of the starting lineup Friday, replaced by Ryan Church. Manager Frank Robinson said he wanted to give Kearns an extra day of rest because of a groin injury that forced him out of a game earlier in the week. Church is under the organization's microscope. "He knows his future with the team is as a fourth or fifth outfielder," manager Frank Robinson said. "We'll see how he performs this role over the final few weeks."
Ryan Church auditioning for job
(9/11/2006) OF Ryan Church is under the organization's microscope. "He knows his future with the team is as a fourth or fifth outfielder," manager Frank Robinson said. "We'll see how he performs this role over the final few weeks."
Church heating up for Nats
(9/3/2006) OF Ryan Church's three-run homer in the first game Saturday was his eighth of the season, one shy of his career high. Entering the nightcap, he had hit safely in six consecutive games, going 6-for-16 (.375) with one homer and five RBI.
Church playing well recently
(8/4/2006) OF Ryan Church has played well since his recall from Triple-A New Orleans on July 22. Since then, Church is hitting .314 (11-for-35) with five doubles, a homer and eight RBIs.
Ryan Church to split time
(7/28/2006) Alex Escobar missed his fourth consecutive game Thursday with a strained hamstring. The outfielder, who is hitting .429 in 12 games with the Nationals this season, remains day-to-day.
Ryan Church recalled by Nats
(7/22/2006) The Washington Nationals optioned right-handed reliever Kevin Gryboski to Triple-A New Orleans and recalled outfielder Ryan Church before Saturday's game against the Chicago Cubs. I'll be back. I've just got to stay positive. I've just got to go down there and fine-tune my game," Gryboski said. "I'm not going to say I didn't have my chances."
Church out of favor with franchise
(7/16/2006) Nats OF Ryan Church continues to struggle at Triple-A New Orleans, and club officials have no plans to recall him anytime soon. Church, who was supposed to be the Nationals' everyday center fielder this season, is hitting just .232 at New Orleans (.337 OBP and .361 SLUG).
Church to stick in minors
(6/27/2006) Nats OF Ryan Church continues to struggle at Triple-A New Orleans, and club officials have no plans to recall him anytime soon. Church, who was supposed to be the Nationals' everyday center fielder this season, is hitting just .212 at New Orleans. OF Marlon Byrd has struggled himself as Washington's regular center fielder, needing three hits on Sunday to raise his average to .237, but the club is content to leave him in the lineup for the time being.
Church homers in Triple-A
(6/13/2006) Ryan Church was 1-for-3 with a solo home run, two runs scored and three RBI in Monday's game against Triple-A Iowa, as he raised his average to the Mendoza line at .200.
Nats send Church to Double-A
(5/20/2006) The Washington Nationals optioned outfielder Ryan Church to Double-A Harrisburg on Friday night. It will be the second stint in the minors in 2006 for Church, who was sent down after going 0-for-4 in a 5-1 loss to Baltimore on Friday, dropping his average to .215. He's 4-for-23 in May. "I'm not me," Church said. "I'm just lost, not seeing it." Church, who won an NL rookie of the month award in 2005, began this season at Triple-A New Orleans, but was brought up on April 13 to replace struggling center fielder Brandon Watson.
Church gets third-straight start
(5/17/2006) OF Ryan Church made his third-straight start in center field Tuesday at the Cubs, this after OF Marlon Byrd had started the previous five. Manager Frank Robinson said he'll continue to swap the two players in and out of the lineup as long as neither is clearly outplaying the other. Robinson plans to simply go with whoever's hot at the time. Church went 0-for-4 on Tuesday.
Church can't get multiple hits
(5/16/2006) Ryan Church hasn't had a multi-hit game since April 23.
Ryan Church is 2-for-17
(5/10/2006) Ryan Church is 2-for-17 (.118) in his last eight games, but the left-handed batter hasn't lost the center field job. "We're not going to play him strictly against right-handers," Robinson said.
Ryan Church back in lineup
(5/7/2006) Ryan Church, who has been sitting out with the flu, started and batted leadoff on Saturday vs. the Pirates. He went 0-for-3 with two walks in the game.
Ryan Church pinch runs, steals
(5/6/2006) Ryan Church, who has been sitting out with the flu, pinch ran and stole a base on Friday night against the Pirates.
Church not in starting lineup
(5/4/2006) Ryan Church (flu) did not start Thursday's game against the Marlins. He was available to pinch hit.
Church available in a pinch
(5/4/2006) Ryan Church (flu) did not start Wednesday's game against the Marlins. He was 1-for-1 as a pinch-hitter, getting an at-bat in place of reliever Jason Bergmann.
Church available off the bench
(5/3/2006) Ryan Church (flu-like symptoms) was unable to start for the fourth straight game on Tuesday at N.Y. Mets, but he was able to make a pinch-hitting appearance. He grounded out in the ninth inning in his only at-bat.
(5/2/2006) Ryan Church (flu-like symptoms) did not play in Monday's game at New York Mets, but will be available to pinch hit in Tuesday's game. Manager Frank Robinson said he doubts the outfielder will play.
Church remains in a hospital
(5/1/2006) According to MLB.com, Ryan Church remained at the team's hotel for the second consecutive day Sunday because of flu-like symptoms. Marlon Byrd took his place in center field, which means, according to Robinson, that the Nationals have only a three-man bench.
Church remains sidelined
(4/30/2006) Ryan Church (flu-like symptoms) missed his second consecutive game on Sunday at St. Louis.
Church sits with the flu
(4/30/2006) Ryan Church (flu-like symptoms) did not play Saturday at St. Louis. Marlon Byrd stgarted in center field in his absence.
Church leaves Friday's game
(4/29/2006) Ryan Church left Friday's game at St. Louis after five innings due to flu-like symptoms. He was 0-for-2 with a run scored, a walk and a strikeout.
Ryan Church doesn't get a hit
(4/26/2006) Nats OF Ryan Church was 0-for-2 with a walk on Wednesday against the Reds.
Church homers again Wed.
(4/19/2006) Ryan Church homered for the second consecutive game on Wednesday night vs. the Phillies. Church, who a hit a grand slam in the ninth on Tuesday, hit a solo shot in the second inning.
Ryan Church hits grand slam
(4/19/2006) OF Ryan Church appears to have found his hitting stroke. After a tough spring, a rough start at Triple-A New Orleans and then zero hits in his first seven at-bats after rejoining the Nationals, Church has now homered three times in his last eight plate appearances. He clubbed a grand slam Tuesday night off Phillies RHP Geoff Geary, the first of his career. He also tied his career high with four RBIs, set only two days before in Florida.
Church hits pair of two-run HRs
(4/16/2006) More than a week later than he expected, Ryan Church is in the middle of the Washington Nationals' offense. Church hit a pair of two-run homers, including a tiebreaking drive in a three-run ninth inning, to lead Washington over the Florida Marlins 7-5 on Sunday. Left off the 25-man roster when the season started, Church was recalled from Triple-A New Orleans on Thursday. He was 0-for-5 the following day in his season debut, walked in his only plate appearance Saturday, then keyed Washington from the No. 5 slot in the batting order Sunday. "I didn't let myself get down for not being here at the beginning of the year," Church said. "You have to let the game come to you and wait for your opportunities. This is definitely a good start."
Ryan Church starts in center
(4/14/2006) Ryan Church, recalled from Triple-A New Orleans on Thursday, started in center and batted seventh Friday night against Dontrelle Willis. Church hit .287 with 42 RBI in 102 games with Washington last season. He was 3-for-23 (.130) this season in seven games with the Zephyrs.
Nats' Church brought back up
(4/13/2006) The struggling Nationals optioned outfielder Brandon Watson and backup catcher Wiki Gonzalez to Triple-A New Orleans on Thursday and recalled outfielder Ryan Church and infielder Brendan Harris. "This ballclub is showing signs of not going anywhere," manager Frank Robinson said. "So we're not going to sit still here and see us go in the hole without trying to do something."
Ryan Church still struggling
(4/10/2006) Church is hitting only .213 (3-for-14) with one homer and two RBI in four games with Triple-A New Orleans.
Church among four cut by Nats
(3/28/2006) For the second straight spring, the trajectory of Washington Nationals outfielder Ryan Church's major league career was affected by a surprising roster move on the Tuesday before opening day. This time around, Church was optioned to Triple-A New Orleans, meaning rookie Brandon Watson will be the opening day center fielder, manager Frank Robinson said after Washington beat Cleveland 8-3 Tuesday night. A year ago, Church was the beneficiary of such a move, knowing he had earned a roster spot as a rookie when the Nationals cut Endy Chavez shortly before heading north. To that point, Chavez was thought to be Washington's starting center fielder and leadoff hitter. "This is a whole 180, to say the least," said Church, who was chosen the NL rookie of the month in May last season but later lost time to injuries. He wound up hitting .287 with nine homers and 42 RBI in 102 games for Washington.
Church returns
(3/17/2006) 1B Nick Johnson and 3B Ryan Zimmerman each returned to play Thursday after suffering from stomach viruses, and each homered in the Nationals' 8-2 victory over the Tigers. OF Ryan Church also returned from the same ailment and doubled in the game.
Church's grip problems continue
(3/16/2006) Ryan Church's grip problems continued for the Nationals as he threw two bats into the stands. He has lost three bats this spring at home.
Church out with virus
(3/16/2006) MLB.com reports OF Ryan Church and 3B Ryan Zimmerman caught a stomach virus and did not play on Wednesday against the Mets.
Church goes 2-for-3
(3/2/2006) In an exhibition win over the Kia Tigers Wednesday, MLB.com reports OF Ryan Church went 2-for-3 with an RBI.
Nats deny Church trade rumors
(2/28/2006) GM Jim Bowden released a statement denying reports the Nationals were discussing a deal to acquire pitching from the Red Sox. "There is no truth that we are in trade discussions with Boston concerning Alfonso Soriano, Nick Johnson or Ryan Church," Bowden said.
Nats give OF Church year deal
(2/26/2006) The Nationals agreed to terms with RHP Jason Bergmann, 3B/OF Tony Blanco, OF Marlon Byrd, OF Ryan Church, OF Frank Diaz, OF Tyrell Godwin, 2B/3B Brendan Harris, RHP Gary Majewski, RHP John Patterson, RHP Jon Rauch, OF Brandon Watson and 3B Ryan Zimmerman on one-year contracts.
Church could lead off for Nats
(2/22/2006) Nationals CF Ryan Church is the favorite to win the starting center field job after a solid rookie season. Church is more a run producer than a table-setter, but the Nationals might have no choice but to hit him leadoff.
Church gone in Round 13
(2/13/2006) In CBS SportsLine.com's NL-only experts 5x5 Rotisserie draft, Nationals OF Ryan Church was selected in the 13th round (153rd overall).
Nationals go to Church
(9/9/2005) Outfielder Ryan Church was activated from the 15-day disabled list by the Washington Nationals before their game against the Atlanta Braves on Friday. The little toe on Church's right foot was broken on Aug. 24 when he was hit by a pitch from Cincinnati's Ramon Ortiz in the second inning. Church finished the game, then went on the DL the next day.
Church expected off DL on Friday
(9/7/2005) Ryan Church (broken toe) is expected to come off the 15-day DL when he's eligible Friday.
Church breaks toe, put on DL
(8/25/2005) Ryan Church was put on the 15-day DL with a broken toe Thursday. The small toe on Church's right foot was hit by a pitch from Cincinnati's Ramon Ortiz in the second inning of Washington's 5-3 victory Wednesday night. "It was excruciating pain and I could barely walk by the end of the game," he said. "This is an important time of the year. It's frustrating now, disappointing." The rookie of the month in May is hitting .295 with 15 doubles, seven homers and 36 RBI in 89 games. This will be his second stint on the DL; he was sidelined from June 23 to July 13 by a rib cage injury after slamming into the wall to make a catch.
Nats' Church takes extra BP
(8/3/2005) Frank Robinson and hitting coach Tom McCraw watched while some regular players, including Brad Wilkerson and Ryan Church, took extra batting practice Tuesday afternoon. "It was their idea. That's encouraging," Robinson said.
(7/27/2005) The return of 1B Nick Johnson Tuesday sent Brad Wilkerson back to the outfield. Preston Wilson was left out of the lineup instead of rookie Ryan Church. Manager Frank Robinson said he will regularly play four outfielders -- Wilkerson, Wilson, Church and Jose Guillen. "It'll be a merry-go-round," Robinson said, adding "Preston Wilson is fine. He's the healthiest guy on the team."
Church not heading to bench yet
(7/20/2005) With Nick Johnson's return delayed, Ryan Church gets a reprieve as an everyday player for the Nationals. Brad Wilkerson will continue to get at-bats at first base, with Preston Wilson and Church both remaining everyday players for the time being.
Church activated from DL Wednesday
(7/13/2005) Ryan Church (rib, shoulder) was activated from the 15-day disabled list on Wednesday.
Nats' Church gets rehab stint
(7/9/2005) Ryan Church went 1-for-4 in his Double-A rehab assignment Friday night.
Church placed on 15-day DL
(6/30/2005) The Nationals placed Ryan Church on the 15-day disabled list due to a ligament sprain in his right rib cage on Wednesday. The move is retroactive to June 23.
Church out at least a few more
(6/29/2005) Washington played without OF Ryan Church (left shoulder) Tuesday night. He reported progress but will not be available for at least a couple of days.
Church sits again on Tuesday
(6/28/2005) Ryan Church (shoulder) missed his second straight game on Tuesday against the Pirates.
Church has shoulder injury
(6/26/2005) Ryan Church remains sidelined with a shoulder injury. He was unable to play against Toronto Sunday.
Church hits fifth homer
(6/8/2005) Ryan Church went 4-for-5 with a homer and a triple against Oakland Wednesday.
Church named top NL rookie
(6/3/2005) Ryan Church was named NL rookie of the month for May.
Church is in session right now
(5/30/2005) Ryan Church is batting .382 (21-for-55) with 11 RBI in his past 18 games.
Nats' Church in session Sunday
(5/23/2005) The Blue Jays retired 24 consecutive Washington hitters dating to Saturday before Ryan Church's two-out double in the second inning Sunday. Church tied a career high with four hits, raising his average to .304 on the season.
Church has three-hit night
(5/10/2005) Ryan Church was 3-for-3 with a double and a solo home run in Monday's game at Arizona, but he was removed for a pinch hitter in the eighth inning.
Sizzling Church sits on Sunday
(5/9/2005) Despite his .440 average over his last eight games, not to mention his three-run doubles on back-to-back days, Ryan Church was held out of Sunday's lineup. Manager Frank Robinson doesn't feel Church is ready to start facing left-handed pitching on a regular basis and thus went with veteran Jeffrey Hammonds in left field against Giants starter Kirk Rueter. "There's no rush with a kid like Church to get him in on an everyday basis," Robinson told the Washington Times. "He's swinging the bat pretty decent right now, and I don't want to get him out of his groove."
Ryan Church gets four RBI
(5/7/2005) Church went 4-for-6 and tallied four RBI at San Francisco Saturday.
Church can't put it together
(5/2/2005) Ryan Church is hitting .174 on the season after an 0-for-4 vs. the Mets on Sunday night. He had been losing time to Terrmel Sledge, too, before homering Saturday night.
Church sees time in CF again
(4/28/2005) With Nick Johnson out with a bruised thigh, Brad Wilkerson moved to first and Ryan Church started in center. Church went 1-for-3 with a walk to raise his average to .158.
Church starts in center field
(4/12/2005) Ryan Church got his first start of the season in center field in Tuesday's game at Atlanta.
Church bats fifth
(4/10/2005) Ryan Church (groin) went 2-for-5 with his first home run of the season at Florida Saturday.
Church appears as pinch hitter
(4/7/2005) Ryan Church (groin) was able to appear as a pinch-hitter in Wednesday's game at Philadelphia. He struck out in his only appearance.
Church remains sidelined
(4/6/2005) Ryan Church (groin) missed his second straight game on Wednesday at Philadelphia.
Church sits for Monday's game
(4/5/2005) Ryan Church (groin) missed Monday's regular season opener at Philadelphia. Terrmel Sledge got the start in his absence.
Church leaves Sunday's game
(4/3/2005) Ryan Church left Sunday's spring game against the Mets due to a minor groin injury. He smacked a three-run home run before sustaining the injury.
Church to start in center
(3/30/2005) The team's official website is reporting manager Frank Robinson says he plans to use Ryan Church as his starting center field, with Terrmel Sledge as the fourth outfielder.
Nationals' Church gets one-year deal
(2/11/2005) Washington Nationals agreed to terms with OF Ryan Church on a one-year contract.
(9/22/2004) Ryan Church (cramps) was 0-for-4 in Wednesday's game against the Mets.
Church continues to sit
(9/22/2004) Ryan Church (cramps) was out of the starting lineup Tuesday against the Mets. He did enter the game as a defensive replacement.
Church still sidelined
(9/19/2004) Ryan Church (cramps) remained out of the starting lineup Sunday against the Phillies.
Church leaves early
(9/16/2004) Ryan Church (cramps) left Wednesday's game at Florida in the fourth inning.
Ryan Church in the lineup
(8/31/2004) Church was in the lineup for Monday's game against the Cubs. He was 0-for-3 with a pair of strikeouts.
Church unavailable Sunday
(8/29/2004) Ryan Church was unavailable for Sunday's game against San Diego because he has been suffering from the flu.
Church has fine debut
(8/22/2004) Ryan Church went 3-for-4 with two RBI in his major league debut Sunday against Colorado.
Montreal goes to Church
(8/21/2004) The Expos called up Ryan Church from Triple-A Edmonton Saturday to replace Nick Johnson (cheekbone) on the roster. "Church will get some playing time," said manager Frank Robinson. "He will be part of the four-outfielder rotation."
Church hitting well in Triple-A
(6/9/2004) Expos outfielder Ryan Church is batting .531 (17-for-32) with four home runs and 10 RBI in his last eight games for Triple-A Edmonton. He currently leads the Pacific Coast League with a .379 average.
Expos acquire Church
(1/6/2004) The Montreal Expos acquired Ryan Church from the Cleveland Indians in Monday's Scott Stewart trade.
