Mets RF Church bloodied in collision

May 21, 2008 - 5:11 AM ATLANTA (Ticker) - New York Mets right fielder Ryan Church was left bloodied and suffered a mild concussion on the final play of Tuesday's second game of a doubleheader against the Atlanta Braves.

With the Mets trailing, 6-2, and runners on first and second with one out in the ninth inning, New York's Damion Easley hit a tailor-made double-play ball to second base.

Atlanta's Kelly Johnson flipped to shortstop Yunel Escobar, who threw to first base as he jumped to avoid the sliding Church.

Escobar's knee caught Church flush in the head, knocking off his helmet and staggering the Mets' right fielder, who went face first into the dirt behind the second base bag, blood flowing from the forehead.

A dazed Church stayed on the field for about 10 minutes before being helped to the locker room by his teammates.

Church, who suffered a Grade 2 concussion when he collided with teammate Marlon Anderson during a preseason game on March 1, was taken to Piedmont Hospital for evaluation.

"We're taking him to the hospital," Mets vice president for player development Tony Bernazard said. "(Because he had the first concussion) the doctor recommended we take him to get checked out. It wasn't as bad as the one in spring training."

Mets manager Willie Randolph said he was unsure if Church lost consciousness.

The 29-year-old Church has been one of the pleasant surprises for the Mets this season. In 42 games, he is batting .311 with nine homers and 32 RBIs.

Church, who sported a large welt on the left side of forehead, declined to talk to reporters after the game.

Escobar was also sporting a bruise after the game. The 25-year-old Cuban, who was hit flush on his right knee, limped off the field and needed assistance from his teammates in the dugout to make it to the locker room.

While the Braves will evaluate Escobar on Wednesday, he does not think that he will miss any playing time.

"No DL," said Escobar, who was sporting an ice pack under his right knee after the game. "Tomorrow."

"He just said, 'No DL,'" said Atlanta backup catcher Brayan Pena, who also defected from Cuba. "He's tough."