Nate McLouth is already beginning to feel improvement in his strained left oblique.

McLouth was placed on the disabled list just one week ago and given a cortisone shot. "I don't want to it to take longer than it has to," the outfielder said Sunday. "It's gotten better every day. When I first did it, just rolling in bed or getting dressed, it hurt. But it's gotten much better." He's aiming to return by mid-June.

The Braves aren't sure if Nate McLouth's oblique injury will require the outfielder to land on the disabled list.

McLouth left Sunday's game in the first inning after checking his swing against Tyler Chatwood. Diory Hernandez took his spot in the lineup. Monday's scheduled day off will give player and team a little longer to evaluate McLouth's status. "Kind of [stinks] that we have to fly across the country now," McLouth said. "But with the day off tomorrow, I guess we'll see how it feels after that. I'm just really hoping it's nothing that is going to [mean] the DL."

Nate McLouth left Sunday's game in the first inning with a possible oblique injury.

McLouth hurt his side on a check swing on the fourth pitch of the game. He tested it out but was not able to continue. We'll update his status when more is known. Diory Hernandez took his spot in the lineup.

Nate McLouth went 2-for-2 with a home run and two RBI on Wednesday evening, giving him a 5-for-5 day as the Braves swept their double-header with the Brewers.

His big day brings McLouth's average all the way up to .287. He reached base a total of eight times. After looking lost at the plate for nearly a year and a half, McLouth has posted 10 extra-base hits in his first 31 games this season, and is reaching base at a clip of .368.

Nate McLouth is batting just .244/.326/.317 through 94 plate appearances this season.

McLouth has also been caught on two of his three steal attempts. He has been bumped from the No. 2 spot in the Braves' batting order and isn't likely to return.

Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said Monday that he intends to keep Nate McLouth in the No. 2 spot in his lineup.

"We're dealing with humans," explained Gonzalez. "If Nate is swinging the bat and he's feeling good up there and he's comfortable, then why not? The Washington Nationals have the $158 million man [Jayson Werth] or whatever hitting second. That fits his team at this point, so why not?" The difference is that Werth is one of the best hitters in the Nationals' lineup while McLouth simply isn't. We're still of the opinion that the more at-bats for Heyward, the better.

Nate McLouth (shoulder) felt much better Thursday, one day after receiving a cortisone shot.

McLouth injured the shoulder when he got tangled up trying to bunt for a hit Monday. He plans to do a full workout Friday and return to the lineup Saturday.

Nate McLouth received a cortisone shot in his right shoulder.

McLouth injured the shoulder during Monday's game. The good news is that no structural damage was found, but McLouth is still dealing with some bruising and soreness. He now hopes to be back in the lineup by as soon as Friday.

Nate McLouth is out of the lineup Wednesday with a sore right shoulder.

McLouth took a bit of a tumble on a bunt attempt on Monday, so the Braves are just playing it safe right now. Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said he should be back in the lineup Thursday.

Nate McLouth went 2-for-2 with a double, two walks and three runs scored in the Braves' 13-3 rout of the Astros on Monday.

We're far from thrilled with manager Fredi Gonzalez lineup preferences -- he intends to bat McLouth second and Jason Heyward sixth if Chipper Jones is healthy -- but the alignment certainly worked well today. Of course, McLouth will have to hit a whole lot better than last year's .190 if he intends to remain in the second spot all year.

Braves GM Frank Wren confirmed Thursday that Nate McLouth will open the 2011 season as the club's starting center fielder.

McLouth had a career-worst season at the plate in 2010, registering a .190 average and .620 OPS in 85 games. He also didn't steal many bases and won't be relevant in fantasy leagues unless he manages a complete turnaround. "We think he can do it," Wren said. "We saw enough in September, and we've seen enough in his career. I mean, he's a good player."

Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said Wednesday that Nate McLouth is likely to open the 2011 season as the Braves' starting center fielder.

McLouth will have to prove himself during spring training, but the job is his to lose. The 29-year-old posted a miserable .190/.298/.322 batting line this past season and probably won't be a great fantasy play.

Nate McLouth was 2-for-4 with a solo homer and two RBI in a 4-2 win over the Mets on Saturday.

McLouth smacked an RBI double in the second inning and added a solo shot for some valuable insurance in the top of the ninth. Suddenly rejuvenated after what looked like a lost season, McLouth is batting .355 (11-for-31) with three home runs and 10 RBI this month. With his power-speed totals of the past, he's well worth adding across all formats right now.

Braves recalled OF Nate McLouth from Triple-A Gwinnett.

McLouth has posted an ugly .168/.279/.265 batting line in 185 at-bats this year in the majors and shouldn't be expected to fare any better this time through. He will give the Braves outfield depth down the stretch.

Nate McLouth exited Tuesday's game with Triple-A Gwinnett due to a sore shin.

McLouth fouled a pitch off the shin during Monday's game and felt it tighten up Tuesday. He was 1-for-1 before leaving. McLouth got off to a hot start upon joining Triple-A Gwinnett, but is batting just .200 (10-for-50) this month.

Nate McLouth is 5-for-17 (.294) with two homers and four RBI in four games since the Braves optioned him to Triple-A Gwinnett.

McLouth was given the boot of the major league roster last week after showing a lack of readiness in his return from a concussion. It hurt his cause for a recall when the Braves acquired athletic outfielder Rick Ankiel from the Royals at the trade deadline, but it's nice to see McLouth flashing a bit of power. He has also struck out three times and scored three runs.

Braves optioned OF Nate McLouth to Triple-A Gwinnett.

Braves activated OF Nate McLouth from the 15-day disabled list.

McLouth has not played in a major league game since colliding with fellow Braves outfielder Jayson Heyward on June 9. He will return to an ugly .176/.295/.282 batting line and can be avoided in most fantasy leagues.

Nate McLouth (concussion) will be activated from the disabled list on Wednesday.

Nate McLouth (concussion) will meet with Braves manager Bobby Cox on Tuesday to determine when he will be activated from the disabled list.

McLouth is with the team and is expected to take batting practice Tuesday. He is likely to be activated from the disabled list either today or Wednesday. McLouth was performing poorly even before the concussion, so fantasy owners can afford to wait on him.