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 VIERA, Fla. (AP) - For the second straight spring, the trajectory of Washington Nationals outfielder Ryan Church's major league career was affected by a surprising roster move on the Tuesday before opening day.
This time around, Church was optioned to Triple-A New Orleans, meaning rookie Brandon Watson will be the opening day center fielder, manager Frank Robinson said after Washington beat Cleveland 8-3 Tuesday night.
A year ago, Church was the beneficiary of such a move, knowing he had earned a roster spot as a rookie when the Nationals cut Endy Chavez shortly before heading north. To that point, Chavez was thought to be Washington's starting center fielder and leadoff hitter.
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