Church went 1-for-2 with a solo home run Saturday versus the Nationals in his spring training debut.

EDGE Analysis

He started the game in center field and took southpaw Shinnosuke Ogasawara deep in the second inning. Church could get significant reps in left field for the Cardinals early on in the season while Lars Nootbaar (heels) is out before eventually settling into a fourth outfielder role. The 25-year-old had a .504 OPS in 27 games with the big club in 2025, but slashed .329/.386/.524 with 13 home runs and 16 stolen bases at Triple-A Memphis.

Church is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Athletics.

EDGE Analysis

After starting in each of the last five games, the left-handed-hitting Church will head to the bench while southpaw Jeffrey Springs toes the rubber for the Athletics. Church is slashing just .154/.227/.256 in 46 plate appearances since getting called up from Triple-A Memphis on Aug. 17, and his playing time could tail off in September after the Cardinals reinstated Victor Scott from the injured list earlier this week.

Church will start in center field and bat ninth in Sunday's game against the Reds.

EDGE Analysis

The rookie had initially been part of a timeshare in center field with Lars Nootbaar upon getting called up from Triple-A Memphis, but near-everyday roles became available for both players after Alec Burleson (wrist) landed on the injured list Friday. Church will be included in the starting nine for the third straight game after going 1-for-7 with a walk, two RBI and a run scored in the first two contests of the series.

Church is absent from the lineup for Tuesday's contest against the Pirates.

EDGE Analysis

Church has drawn the lion's share of the playing time in center field for the Cardinals since Victor Scott (ankle) was hurt, but Church will step out of the lineup Tuesday. Lars Nootbaar will slide over to center field and Jordan Walker will get the start in right field.