Nate McLouth Cleared for Rehab Assignment

Nate McLouth has been cleared to begin a rehab assignment and will report to Triple A Gwinnett on Friday. McLouth had been suffering from concussion like symptoms ever since his collision with teammate Jason Heyward on June 9th.

McLouth’s condition has been improving but had been battling dizziness whenever he took batting practice outside in the heat. If he doesn’t experience any setbacks then he would be on course to rejoin the team sometime soon after the All Star break.

Of course in what capacity McLouth returns in will be a question. Jason Heyward should be off of the Disabled List by the time that McLouth returns possibly at the expense of shortstop Brandon Hicks. So who goes when McLouth is ready? Melky Cabrera played well in McLouth’s absence and isn’t going anywhere.

Gregor Blanco has taken over in Center Field due to Heyward’s injury and has been a hot hitter as well. The Braves could elect to send a pitcher down as the bullpen hasn’t been overworked of late but it will be interesting to see how it all plays out.