New York Mets OF Ryan Church returns to DL

July 8, 2008 @ 14:27:08

By Tim Piotrowski
Edited by Tim Heaney

Kristie Ackert, of the New York Daily News, reports the New York Mets have placed outfielder Ryan Church (concussion) on the 15-day disabled list because of ongoing symptoms of post-concussion syndrome.

The Mets recalled utility player Nick Evans from Double-A Binghamton to take Church's roster spot.

Church will be going back on the disabled list after being activated Sunday, June 29, because of the concussion he suffered in May. In the seven games he played in between DL stints, he went 9-for-25 with one RBI. He had at least one hit in six of the seven games. However, he had to leave the game Saturday, July 5, because he was experiencing dizziness. He said he is not feeling 100 percent.

Church was having a great first two months of the year, hitting .300 with 10 home runs, 35 RBIs and one stolen base before his first trip to the DL.

From a fantasy perspective, this is likely worrisome for fantasy owners because Church's symptoms have lingered for about a month. Church owners in mixed leagues should place him in an open DL spot. However, if there is no room on the DL, then they could consider cutting him and looking for someone who can contribute. This setback could hinder Church's effectiveness for the rest of the season.

There are a few options on the Mets to take Church's place in the outfield. One player is outfielder Moises Alou (calf), who is currently on the disabled list for a second time with a calf injury. He is expected to go on a rehab assignment this week at Binghamton and return to the team soon. However, Alou has had a lot of trouble with injuries this season, playing in 15 games this year and hitting .347 with nine RBIs.

Evans could see some playing time. In nine games with the Mets this season, he is hitting .174 with two RBIs. Evans is hitting .311 with 14 home runs and 53 RBIs for Binghamton.

Outfielder Endy Chavez could see some action in the outfield during Church's absence. He is hitting .269 with one home run, 10 RBIs and four stolen bases in 73 games played. He has struck out 12 times and walked 13 times this season.

One final player who could see action is infielder/outfielder Fernando Tatis, who is batting .289 with two home runs, 13 RBIs and two stolen bases in 38 games. He has struck out 23 times and only walked three times this season.

Alou could be worthy of a pickup in deep mixed leagues if he proves to be healthy as he is a solid hitter who could contribute down the stretch in the fantasy season. Chavez and Evans are options in deep NL-only leagues, but they should only be considered if you need to replace Church. 

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Tim Piotrowski
Piotrowski has been a Hot Off the Wire analyst since 2007.

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