SAN DIEGO (AP) -New York Mets outfielder Ryan Church will not play the final two games of the road trip because he said he “didn’t feel right.”
Church played on Thursday night against San Diego but sat out Friday because Mets manager Willie Randolph said before the game he wanted to “try and get him in shape.” But Randolph said Saturday that Church hadn’t been feeling well enough to play during Friday’s game.
“I’m not a doctor. He told me that he felt pressure,” Randolph said.
Randolph said the club will “shut him down for a few days and see how he is when we get back to New York.”
The Mets will return to New York after they complete a seven-game road trip at San Diego on Sunday.
Church sustained a mild concussion on May 20 at Atlanta. He pinch-hit on May 22, but did not return to the starting lineup until June 1 against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
“It’s not like a headache,” said Church. “It feels like a pounding, like a heartbeat and I just didn’t feel right.”
Church said he spoke by telephone with a neurologist in New York.
“We’re just talking with the doctors,” Church said. “Rest is what I need.”
During a 2-1 loss to the Padres on Friday night, Randolph asked Church if he was available to pinch hit.
“I said ‘No, I’m not going to do it’,” said Church. “My body is telling me I can’t do it.”
New York left-handed pitcher Johan Santana reported no ill effects from being hit on his pitching shoulder in Friday night’s game against the Padres when he attempted a bunt.
“I took some treatment and I can move my arm better than I thought I was going to be able to,” he said.
Santana, a two-time AL Cy Young winner, was attempting to lay down a bunt in the sixth inning during the loss Friday night when Randy Wolf’s fastball struck him in the shoulder. Santana stayed in the game and hit into a fielder’s choice after he twice failed to lay down the bunt.
The Padres scored twice off Santana in the bottom of the inning to take a 2-1 lead. Santana (7-4) took the loss.
Santana said he wouldn’t throw a bullpen session Sunday because the team is off Monday.
“Everything should be on schedule,” he said.
The Mets also announced that catcher Raul Casanova had been reinstated from the bereavement list. Casanova was placed on the list Wednesday due to the death of his father. New York optioned catcher Robinson Cancel to Triple-A New Orleans.
Add A Comment