NEW YORK (AP) -Ryan Church could be back in the New York Mets’ outfield for the opener of a four-game series against the Houston Astros on Friday night.
Church has been sidelined by post-concussion syndrome since he left a July 5 game against the Philadelphia Phillies with dizziness – six days after he came off the DL. He missed most of June following a May 20 concussion, his second in less than three months.
Church was scheduled to play another rehab game for Binghamton on Thursday night after going 0-for-4 and playing nine innings in right field for the Mets’ Double-A affiliate Wednesday night.
“He’s healthy, playing well, obviously getting the at-bats that he needs,” Mets manager Jerry Manuel said before New York’s game against the Atlanta Braves on Thursday night. “And he hasn’t had any setbacks. So, with all those things being said, if he does have another good night he’ll be playing right field tomorrow night.”
Second baseman Luis Castillo (strained left hip flexor) also played for Binghamton on Wednesday night, and went 1-for-4 with an RBI. Manuel said Castillo will work out in front of Mets coaches on Friday and a decision on his status will be made in the next day or two.
“I haven’t seen him in a long time but basically baseball shape, baseball ready,” Manuel said when asked what he’s looking for with Castillo. “Just kind of talk to him and see where he is also mentally.”
The return of Church and Castillo would be a boost for NL East-leading New York, which had won eight of nine heading into Thursday night. Church is batting .307 with 10 homers and 36 RBIs in 57 games this season.
Manuel said Church could get some extra days off in the early going to ease him back into the regular lineup.
“He was a very good player for us for a while, a very good player – probably our best player for a period of time,” Manuel said. “I would like to see him get back to that level. That would be a great, great addition to us.”
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