Why is Nathan Church not in the lineup?
He is often out of the lineup against right-handed pitchers.
Baseball / MLB
Nathan Church, an outfielder for the St. Louis Cardinals, has recently experienced fluctuations in his lineup appearances. This article summarizes his recent status, performance, and potential impact on the team.
Nathan Church's role with the St. Louis Cardinals has seen some changes early in the 2026 season. After starting in left field on Opening Day, his appearances have become less frequent, particularly against right-handed pitchers. This suggests that the Cardinals coaching staff may be leaning towards a platoon strategy, favoring other players like Thomas Saggese in certain matchups.
Church's performance at the plate has also been a factor. His slow start, hitting just 3-for-26 with a low BB:K ratio, has likely contributed to the team's decision to give other players opportunities. Saggese's performance in left field has seemingly solidified his position, at least for the time being.
**Why this matters:** For fantasy baseball players, Church's inconsistent playing time diminishes his value. Monitor lineup announcements and consider alternatives if you need a more reliable outfielder. For Cardinals fans, this situation highlights the team's depth and willingness to make strategic lineup decisions based on matchups and performance.
He is often out of the lineup against right-handed pitchers.
Thomas Saggese has been starting in left field in his place.
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