"Center fielder Nate McLouth stayed off the disabled list and in the Braves' opening day lineup after passing tests Sunday to convince trainers – and manager Bobby Cox – that he and his hamstring were ready.

"He feels he can go," Cox said of McLouth, who was slowed Friday and Saturday by a sore right hamstring. "Range of motion was good, everything was good. He did everything. He's fine."

Cox added, "And if he's not, we'll go to Plan B tomorrow."

McLouth slumped badly during spring training and has dropped from the leadoff spot to eighth in the order for opening day Monday against the Chicago Cubs and pitcher Carlos Zambrano."