Murphy and Evans will continue to platoon in left with Church in Lineup

Don't expect playing time for Daniel Murphy and Nick Evans to diminish with Ryan Church's return. Jerry Manuel said he'd continue to platoon the rookies in left field, with Murphy likely starting tonight's series opener against the Astros because the Mets face Houston righthander Roy Oswalt.

Church, who went 0-for-4 while playing nine innings for Double-A Binghamton last night, is likely to start tonight and tomorrow for the Mets in right field, then sit Sunday to ease him back. It would mark Church's first major-league game since he experienced dizziness July5 in Philadelphia.

Fernando Tatis' playing time should decrease with Church back. Manuel said Tatis likely would start Sunday in place of Church against lefthander Randy Wolf. The righty-hitting Tatis also may see occasional action at first base to spell Carlos Delgado. Third catcher Robinson Cancel's roster spot would seem to be vulnerable with Church's activation, but rosters expand Sept.1, so any absence should be short term.

Other Injured Mets: Luis Castillo will work out at Shea today, but Mets brass has offered no indication the second baseman will be activated from the DL. Castillo's 20-day minor-league rehab assignment has expired, so he would be dispatched to Port St. Lucie to work out at the team's complex if it's deemed he isn't ready....

Marlon Anderson (hamstring) intends to begin rehab games Monday in Port St. Lucie, but doesn't expect to be activated until rosters expand. ...

Source:NY Daily News