Church fares well in rehab outing

Jun 27, 2008 - 2:02 AM BROOKLYN, New York (Ticker) -- New York Mets outfielder Ryan Church went 3-for-3 with an RBI double and a pair of infield singles in five innings Thursday night in his first rehabilitation start with Class A Brooklyn.

Sidelined with a concussion since June 6, Church was lifted from Thursday's contest against the Aberdeen Ironbirds for a pinch runner, as Will Vogl replaced him on the bases.

Church has 10 home runs, 35 RBI and is batting .300 in 50 games this season for the Mets.

The 29-year-old was originally injured on May 20, when he took a knee to the head by Atlanta Braves shortstop Yunel Escobar while attempting to break up a double play.

Still feeling the effects of the blow, Church pinch hit in his next four appearances and then started four games before being placed on the disabled list.