RF Church returns to lineup for Mets

Jun 29, 2008 - 4:11 PM FLUSHING, New York (Ticker) -- New York Mets right fielder Ryan Church is in the lineup for Sunday's series finale against the New York Yankees.

Church was activated from the 15-day disabled list prior to the game after missing 27 of the Mets' previous 35 contests due to the aftereffects of the concussion he suffered in Atlanta on May 20.

He played in a pair of rehab games Thursday and Friday at Class A Brooklyn of the New York-Penn League.

Prior to the concussion, Church was enjoying a solid season, batting .300 with 10 homers and 35 RBI in 50 contests for the Mets. New York did not put him on the DL until June 6.

The 29-year-old suffered the concussion when he took a knee to the head by Atlanta shortstop Yunel Escobar while attempting to break up a double play.

Convincing the Mets he was able to play, Church pinch hit in his next four appearances and then started four games before being placed on the DL. He finally was shut down after continuing to feel the affects of the concussion, which included dizziness.

To make room for Church on the roster, the Mets placed outfielder Trot Nixon on the 15-day DL with a groin injury. Nixon was acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks on June 14.