The St. Louis Cardinals, who will shoot for a three-game sweep of the host Miami Marlins on Wednesday, are giving Nathan Church a shot in center field.

The 25-year-old rookie is getting his opportunity in part due to the left ankle sprain that landed regular center fielder Victor Scott II on the injured list on Sunday.

"He's a good defender," Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said of Church. "He has no fear."

Church gets extremely high marks (70 on 20-80 scouting scale) for his speed. He also gets strong numbers for his arm and fielding ability (60 for both).

A left-handed hitter, Church made it through three levels of the minors this year, including Triple-A, hitting a combined .329 with 19 doubles, five triples, 13 homers, 50 RBIs, 16 steals, 67 runs and a .911 OPS in 86 games.

Church

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