The Nationals recalled Church from Triple-A New Orleans on Saturday when they optioned right-handed reliever Kevin Gryboski. Church, who has had two stints in the minors this season, hit .215 with four homers and 11 RBIs in 23 games for the Nationals earlier this year. Washington needed another outfielder after Alex Escobar hurt his right hamstring in Friday's 7-6 win over Chicago.
(Updated 7/22/2006)

Analysis: Church has a .258 career batting average with 14 homers and 59 RBIs in 155 games, all with the Nationals franchise.