Ryan Church isn’t saying his season is finished, but the Mets right fielder acknowledged today that sitting out the remainder of 2008 might be an option as he attempts to recover from the headaches and dizziness that have plagued him.
“That’s probably the last route we could take,” Church said after the Mets announced they were placing him on the disabled list for the third time this season. “The good thing about the 15-day DL is I’ll be back in two or 2 ½ weeks to try and figure some things out.”
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Church still isn’t sure if his problems are related to the two concussions he has sustained this season or if he’s dealing with migraine headaches, which he has a history of incurring.
GM Omar Minaya said a recent MRI exam performed on Church was negative for a concussion. Church left Saturday’s game at Philadelphia with dizziness and didn’t play Sunday or Monday.
“We looked at it today, and [Church] told me he didn’t feel 100 percent,” Minaya said. “[So] we’re pretty much going to take advantage of the All-Star break and be able to DL him right now.”
Outfielder Nick Evans was recalled to take Church’s roster spot. Minaya said the Mets are consulting with team physician Dr. David Altchek, but are also evaluating other opinions on how to handle this latest Church setback.
Church said he was “exhausted” and didn’t believe he would have been helping the team if he continued playing.
“I just can’t keep running out there and making it worse,” Church said. “We’re taking the right steps now to hopefully correct this.”