Mets RF Church sits after collision

May 21, 2008 - 10:00 PM ATLANTA (Ticker) -- New York Mets right fielder Ryan Church was kept out of the starting lineup Wednesday after suffering a mild concussion on the final play in the second game of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Atlanta Braves.

Church was bloodied in a collision with Atlanta shortstop Yunel Escobar while trying to break up a game-ending double play.

The knee of Escobar, who was leaping in an attempt to avoid the collision, caught Church flush in the head, knocking off his helmet. Church fell face-first into the dirt behind second base, opening a cut on his forehead.

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

Escobar suffered a bruised right knee and also was kept out the Braves' lineup Wednesday. The 25-year-old Cuban limped off the field Tuesday and needed assistance from his teammates in the dugout to make it to the locker room.

Braves manager Bobby Cox said after Tuesday's doubleheader that he does not expect Escobar to be placed on the disabled list.

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.

Mets manager Willie Randolph was unsure if Church lost consciousness. The Braves' doctors determined that Tuesday's injury was not as serious as the one the 29-year-old suffered in spring training.

Church has been one of the pleasant surprises for the Mets this season. In 42 games, he is batting .311 with nine home runs and 32 RBI.

Church, who sported a large welt on the right side of his forehead, declined to talk to reporters after the game. The Mets have not indicated how long he will be sidelined.